Italy and France are spearheading an international summit focused on addiction prevention and recovery, scheduled for October 23, 2026, at the San Patrignano community in Italy. This initiative, co-founded by both nations under the European Coalition Against Addictions (ECAD), aims to unite 47 delegations, including heads of state and representatives from various international organisations, to share effective strategies for tackling addiction, particularly among youth.
The choice of San Patrignano, a renowned recovery community, highlights a successful model of rehabilitation that has helped over 26,000 individuals since its inception in 1978. The community’s approach, which emphasises non-pharmacological methods and social reintegration, is expected to serve as a benchmark for the policies discussed at the summit.
With alarming statistics showing that one in four young people in Italy have experimented with drugs, the summit’s outcomes could significantly influence national and European strategies on addiction. The final document produced will outline operational commitments and guidelines for member states, reflecting a collective effort to combat drug trafficking and support recovery initiatives.
This meeting not only underscores the urgent need for comprehensive addiction strategies but also signals a growing recognition of the role that community-based recovery programs play in addressing this pressing social issue. The collaboration between Italy and France may set a precedent for future international efforts in addiction recovery and prevention.
Source: Euronews
