Drug Treatment Services: Addressing the needs of victims of Human Trafficking - Elizabeth Sáenz, Gui QiHui , Blessing Mandima, Day 4, 17:30-18:04

Presented as part of the Uniting the global community to face the challenge of addiction event, online on 15th May, 2022

Presentation:

• Drug Treatment Services: Addressing the needs of victims of Human Trafficking - Elizabeth Sáenz, Gui QiHui , Blessing Mandima

Abstract:

Drug Treatment Services: Addressing the needs of victims of Human Trafficking - Elizabeth Sáenz, Gui QiHui , Blessing Mandima

Human trafficking is a global threat to public security and public health and trafficking itself constitute a serious violation of human rights affecting men, women, and children of all ages and backgrounds. Global estimates suggest that about 25 million people are subject to “modern slavery” in the form of forced labor or human trafficking. However, according to the scientific literature, there is still limited evidence-based guidance available for health providers on assessing and meeting the complex health needs of people who have been trafficked, representing a missed opportunity for the health system to intervene. The complex issues affecting the victims of human trafficking are magnified by the added dynamics of a substance/drug use disorder (SUD/DUD). Many survivors had these substances forced on them as a form of control by their traffickers, while for others, substance use was a way of coping with the physical and emotional abuse they endured. DUDs can harm both mental and physical health. In many cases, survivors are criminalized before they are even identified as victims of human trafficking. Therefore, it is necessary that health care providers and law enforcement work together to identify and respond appropriately to the needs of victims of TIP.

Learning objectives

To identify the gap between human trafficking and drug use disorder within the drug treatment system and propose recommendations to address the needs of people affected by TIP.

Other Authors:

• QiHui Gui
• Blessing Mandima