Urgent Improvements in Addiction Help and Care: Recommendations of the Federal Commission on Addiction-Related Issues

The Federal Commission on Addiction and Noncommunicable Disease Prevention (CFDNT) recently highlighted the need to improve help and care for people with addiction in Switzerland. Through a detailed analysis of the current situation, the experts made targeted recommendations for policymakers, principals and service providers, highlighting the importance of closer interprofessional collaboration and adequate funding.
Heterogeneity in the Aid System:
- The Swiss addiction help and care system is characterized by a diversity of treatment and support offerings, but has significant gaps and regional differences.
- The CFDNT report indicates the need to improve consistency and collaboration among medical, psychosocial and social service providers to deliver more effective treatments.
Approach to Financing:
- The CFDNT stresses the importance of balanced funding, including both subject and object funding, to ensure appropriate interdisciplinary treatments and supports.
- It is crucial to ensure that funding is allocated not only to the direct costs of treatment, but also to promote interprofessional collaboration and support for the people involved.
Need for Specific Bids:
- The lack of offerings targeting adolescents, young adults and socially disadvantaged people with addictions is highlighted.
- The CFDNT recommends enhancing specific socio-therapeutic offerings to promote integration into the world of work and ensure access to services for minors as well.
Access for Vulnerable Groups:
- Facilitating access to primary health care and aid for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including those with language difficulties or precarious situations, is essential.
- It urges maintaining and enhancing free, low-threshold and outreach offerings to ensure adequate support at all levels.
These CFDNT recommendations emphasize the need for an effective biopsychosocial approach and to avoid funding cuts that could undermine support for the most vulnerable.