Tunisia's Addiction Society Advocates for Health-Based Approach Over Punishment

Tunisia's Society of Addictology (STADD) is spearheading a crucial call for reform in how the nation addresses drug addiction. Appearing before the General Legislation Commission of the Assembly of People's Representatives, STADD argued forcefully for a shift away from the current punitive system towards a health-centered, therapeutic approach. They emphasize that addiction should be treated as a chronic illness, not a criminal offense, a perspective rooted in the understanding that relapses are a part of the recovery process. This proposed amendment to the 1992 law on narcotics aims to establish a legislative framework and medical protocols that ensure the confidentiality of treatment, aligning with the constitutional right to health.

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addiction as a chronic disease subject to relapse.

The stark reality of the escalating drug problem in Tunisia was laid bare by STADD's presentation of a national study conducted in schools. The figures are deeply concerning: between 2009 and 2017, the number of young injectable drug users aged 15-17 surged from 7,000 to 9,800, correlating with a rise in HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis cases. Furthermore, the proportion of Tunisians who have used drugs at least once in their lifetime climbed from 24.6% to 31% during the same period. This surge in consumption has predictably led to an increase in judicial cases and drug seizures, overwhelming the existing system.

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the prison-focused approach has shown its limits.

STADD's critique of the current carceral approach is sharp: it has demonstrably failed. They warn that increasing prison sentences will only push individuals further into the shadows, making them less likely to seek help due to the pervasive social stigma and the potential impact on their families and professional lives. Many individuals, they note, succumb to their addiction precisely because they are denied adequate care, opting instead to procure substances outside of legitimate health structures. The organization also points to the limitations of traditional drug testing methods in identifying new synthetic drugs and the persistent challenges posed by cross-border smuggling.

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a significant portion of these patients die for lack of care, preferring to resupply outside of health structures.

In contrast to the prevailing punitive measures, STADD highlighted the promising work of the 'Centre Tanit' at Razi Hospital in La Manouba. This center, dedicated to the care of women struggling with addiction—a group often facing heightened stigma and barriers to accessing treatment—has been operational since March 2023. The deputies within the commission have expressed strong support for STADD's initiatives, advocating for the establishment of similar centers across the country. The alarming statistics presented have prompted calls for urgent, comprehensive interventions that integrate prevention, early detection, education, and security measures, moving beyond a sole reliance on repression. This shift in perspective is vital for addressing the complex issue of addiction effectively within Tunisia.

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alarming figures