The application and integration of the best available research, clinical expertise, quality marks and patient preferences to ensure high-quality care in substance use disorders services.
Quality Assurance
Quality Standards in Drug Use Disorder Treatment – Reading List
In this reading list, we provide resources to help engage our members with the latest knowledge, tools, and case studies on quality standards in substance use disorder treatment. These materials highlight international frameworks, research...
From Evidence to Action: Building Partnerships to Strengthen the Drug Demand Reduction Strategy
Grounded in UNODC research—particularly the World Drug Report on synthetic trends, polydrug use, and treatment gaps—this presentation translates evidence into a partnership blueprint for stronger drug demand reduction (DDR).
Health And Hope: Reflecting On Progress In Developing The Quality Assurance Mechanism For The Treatment Of Drug Use Disorders In South Africa
UNODC is collaborating with South Africa to enhance the quality and effectiveness of drug use disorder treatment, ensuring services align with the International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders. Through training, workshops...
Codeine Crisis To Care: How UNODC’s Quality Assurance Mechanisms Redefined Drug Treatment Services In Dawanau, Kano
What started with a BBC documentary exposing the harsh realities of Nigeria’s codeine crisis has since become a powerful story of change. In Kano State, UNODC, with support from the European Union, introduced Quality Assurance mechanisms...
Enhancing Quality Assurance Mechanisms For The Treatment Of Drug Use Disorders – Workshop On Adaptation Of Key Quality Standards For Service Appraisal For The Treatment Of Drug Use Disorders In South Africa
In August 2024, UNODC convened policymakers and treatment managers in Johannesburg for a workshop on adapting Key Quality Standards for drug use disorder treatment. The meeting, held in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Social...
25 Professionals Trained On The UNODC Drug Use Disorder Treatment Systems Quality Assurance Toolkit To Improve Quality Of Care And Ultimately The Life Of People With Drug Use Disorders In Serbia
In June 2023, UNODC Serbia, with support from the Ministry of Health and international partners, hosted a training in Belgrade on quality assurance for drug use disorder treatment systems. Based on the UNODC-WHO International Standards and...
The Meaning of Quality in Drug Treatment, Care, and Rehabilitation
At the 66th Commission on Narcotic Drugs in March 2023, UNODC, together with international partners, hosted a side event on strengthening quality assurance in the treatment and recovery support of people with drug use disorders. Experts...
A Review of the Quality of Drug Treatment, Sustained Recovery and Related Support Services based on data submitted in the Annual Report Questionnaire collections in 2020 and 2021
In 2021, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) called on UNODC, alongside Member States and partners, to assess the quality of drug prevention, treatment, sustained recovery, and related support services worldwide. This report uses data...
The Relationship Between Person-Centred Care for Substance Use Disorders and Service Outcomes: a Systematic Scoping Review
This Discussion Paper, prepared by UNODC, aligns with key international policy frameworks, including CND resolutions 59/4 and 64/3. These resolutions highlight the importance of developing and disseminating international standards for the...
The Relationship Between Quality of Specialist Treatment for Substance Use Disorders and Patient Outcomes: A Scoping Review of the Literature
This Discussion Paper, prepared by UNODC, aligns with key international policy frameworks, including Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) resolutions 59/4 and 64/3. These resolutions emphasise the development and dissemination of...
