Victims of Trafficking in Persons, whether in the case of sexual exploitation or for forced labor, are at high risk for developing substance use disorders.  In some cases, the traffickers provide or force consumption of drugs.  In other cases, the victims initiate drug use during or after their captivity as a means of coping with the trauma they have suffered. 

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) worked with three international organizations (UNODC, OAS, and Colombo Plan) to conduct a mission that examined the relationship...