Drug treatment

Verified 24 February 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Drug addiction is drug addiction: cannabis, heroin, cocaine... Medical care may be provided either on the initiative of the drug addict himself or following a report. A drug addict can benefit from a detoxification treatment. The court may also issue a therapeutic injunction.

Specialized medical services

The centers for care, support and prevention in addictology (CSAPA) allow you to take stock with a professional on the difficulties encountered.

They offer counseling for withdrawal, moderate drug use, or substitution therapy (for people who are dependent on opioids).

The user will be able to choose the support that suits him best. In particular, they may opt for an ambulatory (without hospitalization) or hospital withdrawal while being hosted in a partner service. The support offered by the CSAPA can continue throughout the withdrawal period, including hospital treatment, and beyond. Indeed, the weaned person can continue to be welcomed in the context of specific interviews or workshops aimed at consolidating his arrest.

Outpatient care is also available in hospital facilities (hospital addictology units). These structures are of varying importance. They offer external consultations, such as what CSAPAs can offer.

Reception and support center for risk reduction (Carud)

The reception and support centers for reducing the risks of drug users (CAARUD) provide a collective and individual welcome.

They offer personalized information and advice for drug users.

They also provide support to users in accessing care, access to rights, access to housing and integration or reintegration into employment.

They also provide infection prevention equipment.

They develop social mediation actions to ensure proper integration in the neighborhood and to prevent nuisances related to drug use.

They can deliver certain drugs:

  • Naloxone medicinal product indicated for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdoses manifested by respiratory depression and pending management by an emergency facility, and subject to optional medical prescription 
  • Water for injections.

Stop care addictions (HSA)

Opening

SAHs are open by some CSAPAs and CAARUDs until December 31, 2025.

They are located within CSAPAs and CAARUDs or in separate premises. They may also be located in mobile structures.

Objective

The aim is to help major drug users who want advice to reduce the risks (examples: overdose, infection...).

They may:

  • Consuming in safe conditions
  • Be accompanied for health-related issues (examples: seeking a attending physician, psychiatric help, receiving withdrawal).

FYI  

stopovers addictive care which exist in Paris (on the grounds of the Lariboisière hospital) and Strasbourg (on the grounds of the civil hospital), shoot rooms, are in experimentation until 31 December 2025. They offer a protected sanitary space and allow users in a precarious situation to get in touch with professionals (individual and confidential reception).

A doctor or social worker can report the case of a drug addict to the Regional Health Agency (RHA).

The LRA orders an investigation into the person's family, professional and social life and requests a medical examination.

  • If the examination reveals an addiction, the person must undergo a detoxification treatment in the facility of his choice. Alternatively, the SRA may designate one ex officio.
  • If the medical examination does not reveal addiction, the person is asked to remain under medical supervision. This surveillance will be carried out either by a doctor chosen by the Director General of the LRA, a social health clinic or an approved public or private establishment.

The criminal justice system can ask a drug addict to seek treatment. This care is called therapeutic injunction (or injunction for treatment). They may include rehab.

The injunction may be ordered in the context of a alternative measure to criminal proceedings, a additional penalty or a stay of probation.

The magistrate or the court that has issued the therapeutic injunction sends the drug addict to a relay doctor, authorized by the Regional Health Agency (ARS), after the opinion of the Attorney General before the Court of Appeal.

This doctor does a 1er examination to determine the necessity of the measure pronounced. If the need for the measurement is confirmed, another doctor chosen by the person concerned will provide the care. The bridge doctor will monitor the proper progress of the measure and inform the court of the development of the dependence of the person concerned.