ISAM Commemorates World Drug Day With Call For Science-Based Global Addiction Care

The International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM), a global organisation with over 15,000 members and 55 national and regional societies, commemorated World Drug Day 2025. ISAM reaffirmed its dedication to promoting evidence-based, humane, and collaborative approaches to substance use and behavioural addiction care. The society emphasises that addiction is a complex health issue affecting individuals, families, and communities.

"Addiction is not a moral failing; it is a treatable condition influenced by a host of social, economic, and psychological determinants," noted Dr. Hamad Al Ghafri, ISAM President. "On this World Drug Day, we call upon the international community to support treatment grounded in science and human rights."

ISAM collaborates with major organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), and the US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). These partnerships enable ISAM to offer expert advice to global panels and commissions. They also help build healthcare capacity in low- and middle-income countries.

The society's efforts extend to supporting the development of national addiction-related policies. It also promotes culturally sensitive public health interventions based on evidence. Through these initiatives, ISAM aims to address addiction with a multidisciplinary approach that includes medical, psychological, social, and public health perspectives.

Education, training, research, and innovation remain at the forefront of ISAM’s mission. The organisation upholds values such as equity, dignity, diversity, and scientific integrity. By prioritising these areas, ISAM seeks to enhance understanding and treatment of addiction worldwide.

ISAM acknowledges the vital contributions of researchers, clinicians, peer advocates, and those with lived experiences in reducing harm and fostering recovery. Their work is crucial in advancing addiction medicine as a field dedicated not only to treating individuals but also reforming health systems.

A Collective Effort for Change

"Addiction medicine is not solely the practice of treating individuals — it is the collective endeavour to reform health systems and social attitudes through knowledge, humility, and purpose," ISAM said in a statement. This perspective highlights the importance of collective action in addressing addiction effectively.

By focusing on collaboration across various sectors and disciplines, ISAM aims to create comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted nature of addiction. This approach ensures that solutions are both effective and sustainable in the long term.

With inputs from WAM