Management of substance abuse

First Meeting of Technical Guidelines Development Group (TDG) on Pharmacotherapy of Opioid Dependence

1-4 November 2005 - Geneva, Switzerland

Scope and Purpose

In response to the resolution of the UN Economic and Social Council 2004/40, inviting WHO "…to develop and publish minimum requirements and international guidelines on psychosocially assisted pharmacological treatment of persons dependent on opioids, taking into account regional initiatives in this field", the Management of Substance Abuse Team under the WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, has started the process of developing Guidelines for psychosocially assisted pharmacological treatment of persons dependent on opioids, in collaboration with UNODC. According to the recommended process for developing WHO practice guidelines, a Technical Guideline Development Group (TDG) was established that consists of experts from different relevant areas of knowledge and expertise representing different WHO regions.

The main objectives of the first meeting of TDG are the following:

  • define the overall structure and content of the guidelines and specific issues that have to be addressed;
  • review available evidence on efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions;
  • review available information on minimum health system and service requirements for provision of quality treatment of opioid dependence, including in resource poor settings; and
  • identify specific areas and issues for further critical review or expert consultations.

Background documents

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