Tunisian Society of Addictology Calls for Shift from Repressive Approach to Medical and Therapeutic Care
The Tunisian Society of Addictology (STADD) has called for a shift from the current repressive approach to addiction to a medical and therapeutic approach, considering addiction as a chronic disease prone to relapse. The organization made this call during an audition by the General Legislation Commission of the Assembly of the People's Representatives (ARP) at the Bardo Palace.
STADD Advocates for a Structured Legislative Framework and Medical Protocol
According to a parliamentary statement, STADD recommends a structured legislative framework and a medical protocol that guarantees strict confidentiality of care, in line with the right to health enshrined in Article 43 of the Constitution. To support its position, the organization presented alarming results from a national study conducted in schools.
Alarming Statistics on Adolescent Substance Abuse
The study found that among adolescents aged 15 to 17, the number of users of injectable drugs increased from 7,000 in 2009 to 9,800 in 2017, leading to a rise in cases of HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis. During the same period, the proportion of Tunisians who have consumed narcotics at least once in their lifetime increased from 24.6% to 31%, accompanied by an increase in judicial cases and seizures.
Limitations of the Current Approach
In the face of these statistics, STADD estimated that the carceral approach has shown its limitations. The organization warned that increasing penalties may deter consumers from seeking treatment due to fear of social stigma and family and professional repercussions. It also noted that a significant portion of these patients die due to lack of care, preferring to re-supply themselves outside of healthcare structures.
Challenges and Limitations
STADD also highlighted the limitations of classical analyses in the face of new drugs and the challenges related to smuggling at borders. In response to this situation, specialists pointed to the experience of the "Tanit Center" at the Razi Hospital in Manouba.
The "Tanit Center" Experience
Operational since March 8, 2023, this center is dedicated to the care of women addicted to substances, a particularly vulnerable population exposed to stigma and difficulties in accessing care. Deputies from the commission expressed their support for STADD's initiatives and called for the creation of similar structures in other regions of the country.
Parliamentarians Call for Urgent and Comprehensive Action
Several parliamentarians qualified the presented statistics as "alarming" and called for urgent and comprehensive action, including prevention, early detection, education, and security, beyond mere repressive measures.
