Treatment of drug addiction

Verified 01 January 2026 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Wondering how to treat drug addiction (examples: cannabis, heroin, cocaine)? Addiction can be treated at the initiative of the addict himself or following a report from a professional (doctor or social worker). Justice can also order care. We present you the information to know.

Specialized medical services

2 specialized medical services can guide the addict.

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Addiction care, support and prevention centers (CSAPA)

The CSAPAs allow you to take stock with a professional on the difficulties encountered.

They offer support towards:

  • The cessation of drugs
  • Or moderate drug use
  • Or substitution therapy (for opioid-dependent people).

The user can choose the accompaniment that suits him best.

In particular, they may opt for weaning:

  • Outpatient (i.e. without hospitalization)
  • Or hospital by being welcomed in a partner service.

The support offered by the CSAPA can continue throughout the withdrawal period, including in hospital, and beyond.

Indeed, the weaned person can continue to be welcomed in the context of specific interviews or workshops aimed at consolidating his or her arrest.

FYI  

The entourage of a drug addict can also contact a CSAPA.

Hospital structures

There is also outpatient care in hospital structures (addiction hospital units).

These structures are of greater or lesser importance.

They offer external consultations, such as what the CSAPAs can offer.

Reception and support centers for risk reduction (Carud)

Les Carud:

  • Offer personalized information and advice for drug users
  • Ensure a collective and individual welcome
  • Make available infection prevention equipment
  • Develop social mediation actions to ensure good integration in the neighborhood and prevent nuisances related to drug use
  • May deliver certain medications (e.g. water for injections)
  • Provide support to users (e.g. support in access to care, access to rights, access to housing and integration or vocational reintegration).

It is possible to find a Carud, especially depending on its place of residence:

Haltes soins addictions (HSA)

HSAs are opened by some CSAPAs and Caruds until 31 December 2027.

They are:

  • Within the CSAPA and the Carud
  • Or in separate premises or mobile structures that can accommodate users.

The aim is to help adults who use drugs and want advice to reduce their risks (e.g. overdose, infection).

These people can consume in safe conditions and be accompanied for health-related issues (examples: attending physician, get psychiatric help, have a withdrawal).

There is an HSA in Paris and another in Strasbourg.

One doctor or a social worker may report the case of a drug addict in Regional Health Agency (RHA).

The ARS orders the realization of a investigation on the family, professional and social life of the person and requests a medical examination.

The follow-up differs depending on whether the examination reveals an addiction or not.

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Examination reveals addiction

The person must undergo a detox treatment at the institution of their choice. Alternatively, the SIO may designate one ex officio.

The examination does not reveal an addiction

The person is asked to remain under medical supervision. This monitoring will be carried out or by a :

  • Physician chosen by the Director General of the ARS
  • Social hygiene clinic
  • Approved institution, public or private.

A judge can ask a drug addict to seek treatment.

This care is called therapeutic injunction (or injunction for care). They may include a detox.

The injunction may be ordered under:

The judge who issued the therapeutic injunction informs the Regional Health Agency (ARS).

The LRA shall:

  • The medical examination of the person concerned by a doctor designated as a relay doctor
  • And, possibly, an investigation into the family, professional and social life of the drug addict.

The designated health professional shall inform the judicial authority of his opinion on the appropriateness of the therapeutic injunction measure.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Drugs info service

    By phone

    0,800 23 13 13 (free and anonymous call)

    Open from 8am to 2am, 7 days a week

    Information about drugs, alcohol, addictions including gambling addiction.

    Listening, support, advice and guidance.

    You can call that you are concerned directly or indirectly through drug use.

    By internet

    Access to your questions / our answers to ask questions to service professionals

    By chat

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