Treatment and Care for People with Drug Use Disorders in Contact with the Criminal Justice System

The UNODC and WHO report Treatment and care for people with drug use disorders in contact with the criminal justice system: Alternatives to conviction or punishment examines how health-centred, evidence-based responses can be integrated into justice systems for people with drug use disorders. It outlines the scale of the issue globally, noting the high prevalence of drug use disorders among justice-involved populations and the limitations of punitive approaches.

Key areas of the report include the public health rationale for treatment as an alternative to punishment, the international legal framework supporting diversion and non-custodial measures, and the importance of coordinated justice–health collaboration. It presents a range of diversion options across all stages of the criminal justice process—pre-trial, sentencing, and post-sentencing—and emphasises principles such as proportionality, informed consent, continuity of care, and respect for human rights. Overall, the report demonstrates how integrated, multi-sector approaches can reduce reoffending, improve health outcomes, and contribute to public safety and wellbeing.