DRUG TREAMENT: FOCUSING ON EMPLOYMENT

Oriol Esculies

Association Proyecto Hombre - SPAIN

DRUG TREATMENT IN SOUTHERN EUROPE: PROVIDING SOLUTIONS IN TIMES OF CRISIS

SIDE EVENT – 59th CND – UNODC - VIENNA

The high rate of unemployment in Spain in the last decade reduces even more the possibilities for drug-dependent people to find a job, therefore worsening their social reintegration. Unemployment Rate: 21% UR minor 25 years old: 45%

UR drug-dependent population: 67% 2015 DATA

Work is one the most powerful long-term protective factors for recovering. It becomes a core pillar against drug use relapses and then an essential part of the treatment.

Its benefits in terms of their own and family economic sustainability, setting up social networks or reaching self-fulfilment allow them to pursue a real autonomous way of living.

Pilgrim Hostel – Camino de Santiago PROYECTO HOMBRE LEON

INCORPORA: Spanish employment Network

COMPANIES 23.626

job contracts

(2015)

370 NGOsCaixaBank

ConsiderationsDrug treatment’s efficacy may fail if we don’t pay accurate attention on promoting real job opportunities.

We shall stress national and local governments to adopt more employment measures for vulnerable populations and encouraging the private sector through tax benefits.

Stigmatization will be diminished if we demonstrate to the society the advantages of a recovered person at work.

Dealing with unemployment is definitely related to drug demand reduction and these practices should be properly evaluated.