[Guidelines for the treatment of opiate addiction].

Over the past 20 years, scientific progress have revolutionised our understanding of the nature of opiate addiction and its various possible treatments. Addiction is a chronic illness treatable if the treatment is well-delivered and tailored to the needs of the particular patient. There is indeed an array of treatments that can effectively reduce drug use, help manage drug cravings, prevent relapses and restore people to productive social functioning. The treatment of drug addiction will be part of a long-term, medical, psychological and social perspective.