In November 2022, Pompidou Group published a handbook for professionals working in the field of addictions with refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons, entitled: Intercultural Responses to drug-related challenges for refugees, migrants and IDPS.

This handbook takes a multidisciplinary approach to addressing these risks, as legal, psychological, and socio-cultural understandings are all vital to aiding the target population in a way that preserves their basic right to dignity. It was written by professionals for professionals and functions as a basic guide to understanding the various factors related to working with refugees, migrants and IDPs and how these factors contribute to the development of substance use disorders among the target population.

It emphasises an individualistic approach to aiding those of the target population in that while they are all migrants, they are also individuals with unique backgrounds and experiences and should be aided based on their personal needs.

The recommendations provided within the handbook are evidence-based and derived from existing literature, best practices, legal cases and documents, and the expert legitimacy of professionals working in the field. It is the PG’s hope that this handbook provides practitioners with the insight and resources they need to adequately treat and respond to the needs of refugees, migrants and IDPs in the context of substance use disorders.