WHO Technical brief on ATS No.3 - Principles of prevention and treatment for the use of amphetamine-type stimulants

These Technical Briefs on Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) were produced by the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific as a joint activity of the HIV/AIDS and STI and Mental Health and Injury Prevention Units. These were prepared in response to a demand by Member States and civil society for a tool to guide the response to the worldwide availability and use of ATS. The growing use of ATS is associated with the spread of HIV and hepatitis in diverse segments of the population, largely due to an increase in risk-taking behaviour and unsafe sex practices among users. The rising trend in injecting use of ATS is a further cause for concern. These briefs are a compilation of the most recent evidence on ATS use.

The principles of treatment for ATS use are examined in the light of the principles of drug dependence treatment developed by WHO/UNODC in 2008. Recommendations were adapted to the needs of ATS users in Asia and the Pacific.

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