Civil society-state partnerships in integral community-based substance abuse treatment in Latin America

Abstract

The complex interconnection between socioeconomic disadvantage and drug use disorders has raised global interest in community-based approaches to substance abuse prevention and treatment. This article analyses the origins, implementation, and opportunities for diffusion in Latin America of an Argentine programme that promotes access to treatment through partnerships between the national drug policy agency and geographically dispersed care and support facilities managed by civil society organizations. It argues that severe socioeconomic crisis, rising drug use, and inadequate government response, at the turn of the century, created the conditions for social innovation in substance abuse treatment by civil society. Central aspects of the programme are ensuring accessibility through territorially based facilities and proactive outreach; attending multidimensional needs through the creation of local intersectoral support networks; and addressing addiction by building relationships. Remaining challenges include the need to improve coordination between national and subnational governments and develop a robust monitoring and evaluation system.