Technical team:
ONE PSYCHOLOGIST ONE LAWYER ONE SOCIAL WORKER
Administrative help
The Commissions for the Dissuasions of Drug Abuse (CDTs) came into being in order to put the Law 30/2000 into effect. They operate in each of the 18 districts of ‘continental’ Portugal and in the independent regions of Madeira and of the Azores. The functioning and function of the CDTs was established by the Decree/Law 130/2001, which reinforced the principle of prevention and primacy of health considerations as set out in the Law 30/2000.
Although the fundamental tenet is that ‘it is better to treat than to punish’, according to the Portuguese model drug consumption cannot be without consequences and the act is still prohibited and illegal. However, the law, via the CDTs, offers users the possibility to opt for a healthier lifestyle.
The law stipulates that the Commissions be composed of three members (quorum is two), who are responsible for deciding on each case and applying the legislation, observing the principles of promoting health and dissuading from use.
A multidisciplinary ‘technical team’ supports the Commission members: this can be composed of clinical psychologists, social workers, lawyers and administrators, which organise the casework and offer the diagnostical tools to enable the Commissioners’ decision making.
(Source: SICAD)
Although the fundamental tenet is that ‘it is better to treat than to punish’, according to the Portuguese model drug consumption cannot be without consequences and the act is still prohibited and illegal. However, the law, via the CDTs, offers users the possibility to opt for a healthier lifestyle.
The law stipulates that the Commissions be composed of three members (quorum is two), who are responsible for deciding on each case and applying the legislation, observing the principles of promoting health and dissuading from use.
A multidisciplinary ‘technical team’ supports the Commission members: this can be composed of clinical psychologists, social workers, lawyers and administrators, which organise the casework and offer the diagnostical tools to enable the Commissioners’ decision making.
(Source: SICAD)