Washington, DC - This week, over 2,500 global experts are gathering in Mexico to discuss cutting edge techniques to reduce demand for illegal drugs and improve treatment. Doctors, scientists, academics, policymakers, drug treatment practitioners, and officials from over 65 countries – in addition to the United Nations, Organization of American States, World Health Organization, and other international organizations – will consider best practices and the latest methods to prevent drug abuse and treat users.

Leading the U.S. delegation is Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary James Walsh, of the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), who will offer remarks alongside officials including Mexico’s Minister of Health on December 6. Walsh will also meet with Chinese officials at the event to follow up on President Trump’s recent important advances in deepening U.S.-China cooperation on countering the use of, and trade in, dangerous synthetic drugs.

During the week-long event in Mexico, the world’s top researchers in the field of addiction science will train practitioners, share findings, and develop and approve curricula – all with the goal of bringing scientifically-validated research to bear in the fight against substance use disorders. As recent addiction science has shown that these treatment practices work, U.S. policy to disseminate the most advanced and effective research worldwide is a crucial element in reducing drug use globally.

This global gathering represents the third annual workshop of the International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP), an international NGO, held concurrently with the Government of Mexico’s 19th International Congress on Addictions.