UCLA to oversee web of drug treatment centers

UCLA will be playing a part in addressing drug abuse worldwide
as it begins coordinating a global network of drug abuse resource
centers.

The Integrated Substance Abuse Program at UCLA’s Semel
Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior has been chosen by
the United Nations to coordinate and oversee an international
network of drug treatment and rehabilitation centers.

Nearly 200 million people worldwide use illicit drugs, according
to the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime’s 2005 World
Drug Report. The UNODC aims to establish worldwide information and
treatment centers, to provide accessible information and treatment
for drugs and drug abuse.

UCLA’s Integrated Substance Abuse Program will serve as a
curriculum development base by leading a series of training
workshops over the next 18 months. Its coordinating role will allow
UCLA to play a large part in responding to the economic and social
consequences of drug abuse worldwide, according to a press
release.

“We feel honored to be selected to manage this important
project,” said Richard Rawson, associate director of the
Integrated Substance Abuse Program and principle investigator for
the network.

“Improving the availability and effectiveness of drug
rehabilitation services through the UNODC network will make a real
difference in many, many lives,” he said.

ISAP plans to organize programs that will include generalized
training applicable to all countries, as well as specialized
classes designed to target specific challenges, such as the AIDS
pandemic in Africa. Once the trained representatives complete the
program, they will be sent to one of 20 countries, such as
Indonesia, Brazil, Kenya and other countries where drug use is
high.

After meeting in Vienna, Austria in early December, participants
from around the globe discussed the capabilities of the network,
according to a press release on the United Nations Information
Service.

While the immediate objective of the network is to administer
abuse and treatment interventions, the international centers are
looking to achieve long-term effects.

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