Recovery Movement Endorsed by United Nations
Posted by Office of National Drug Control Policy Staff on March 25, 2014 at 04:18 PM EDT (click here for official announcement)
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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