A resolution on the importance of recovery proposed by the United States at the 57th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) was approved on March 21st
in Vienna, Austria.
This resolution marks the first time in the more
than 50-year history of the global anti-drug regime that the concept of
recovery was formally accepted and supported by United Nations Member
States.
Acting Director of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli
said: “This is a historic moment. For too long, the recovery movement
has gone without a voice in the global conversation about drug policy.
Talking about recovery, exchanging experiences and programs, and
sharing successes at international forums like the Commission on
Narcotic Drugs is a critical part of a public health approach to
preventing and treating substance use disorders and reducing the global
drug problem. The resolution codifies the commitment of countries to
decrease the stigma associated with substance use disorders and to
address them like other chronic health conditions.”
Mr. Botticelli further noted his appreciation for the support for the
resolution provided by many nations, including Australia, Canada,
Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and also for the
assistance and advice provided by the many American and international
non-governmental organizations that were present in Vienna for the CND.
The resolution, entitled Supporting Recovery from Substance Use Disorders,
recognizes that substance use disorders can result in chronic relapsing
conditions and that recovery support initiatives help to prevent
relapse, facilitate re-entry into treatment when needed, and promote
long-term recovery outcomes. The resolution also calls for an end to
stigma, marginalization, and discrimination against those in recovery;
promotes international exchanges on best practices related to recovery
support initiatives; and encourages the United Nations Office on Drugs
and Crime (UNODC) to disseminate globally information about
evidence-based recovery support initiatives.
The resolution, which was
co-sponsored by a number of countries, was approved at the UNODC meeting
on Friday, March 21, 2014.
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