During  the course of the IV European Conference held at Porto between 3rd and 5th February 2000, ERIT has made the following points :

• The phenomenon of drug abuse is only one aspect of the ensemble of phenomena which affect a complex social whole. As a consequence, democratic societies are combating the exclusion of persons who exclude themselves or are excluded by others, as a result of the consumption of drugs. The phenomenon of the use and abuse of drugs comprehends a great variety of forms, which are continuously changing and which necessitate a definition of programmes of health that are specific , valuable and valid

• This complex phenomenon requires solutions that are equally complex. Interventions need to be multi-professional, multi-dimensional and holistic.

• Services which cater to drug abusing clients already benefit from an experience that  can be useful to enhance the field of competencies for prevention and care of other forms of dependencies : alcohol, tobacco, psychotropic medicines and recreational pursuits such as gambling, etc.

• It is once again necessary to alert public opinion and say that professionals condemn financial, political, emotional and religious exploitation of drug users and their families. We reaffirm that the treatment of a drug user is far more than the simple physical detoxification, and that only a minor necessity effects this phase of treatment . All to often financial and private interests which underlying the proposition of  “ miracle treatments”, as for instance  by rapid or ultra rapid detoxification.

• The continuing persistence of incarcerating persons whose only crime has been the consumption of illicit substances is totally unacceptable.

• The incarcerated drug user  must be provided with a multi-dimensional service, which includes the somatic, psychological and social treatment in a manner that facilitates his/ her  reintegration. Here as elsewhere, the drug user should be able to benefit when leaving prison, from the continuity of treatment undertaken. We deplore that are still prisons where drug users do not have access to programmes of harm reduction, prevention and appropriate care.

• To give substance to the construction of a Social Europe, and within the framework of programmes of the European Union, it is necessary to reinforce the links between NGO’s and different European institutions. It is therefore necessary to improve the implementation of procedures of  sanctioning agreements and their financing.

• ERIT supports the European Union drug strategy , and in particular we support the aim of shifting the balance of expenditure from enforcement to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. This shift in the balance is important both in humanitarian terms, but has also been proven to be  the most effective use of limited resources in responding to European drug problems.

• ERIT will continue to offer services for the enhancement of synergy and cooperation with other networks participating in the construction of a Social Europe and concerned with drug abuse.

• It is necessary to struggle

• For the development and maintenance of quality services

• For a compulsory evaluation of services rendered through precise criteria and standards that can be measured

• The urgent investment in programmes of prevention and of harm reduction ( including the management of controlled use), must go hand in hand with the therapeutic programme adapted to diverse individual needs ( cultural, ethnic , spiritual) , which may include abstinence and the social reintegration of persons.

• European policies need to be placed on a permanent basis and take account of  European specificities respecting the cultural diversity of population and the realities at ground level relayed, amongst other, by the associations of professionals.