Abstract
A person-centred approach is uniquely befitting for the optimal comprehensive assessment and integrated treatment of addictions; addictions particularly addiction to illegal drugs have for long been considered criminal, immoral, self-inflicted conditions and importantly the most stigmatizing health conditions in all communities and cultures. In recent decades, addictions have been dignified by their recognitions as serious health conditions included under mental disorders in international classification systems and accumulating evidence for an effective treatment and preventative interventions that now shape policy including issues of decriminalization and legalization. In this chapter, we provide an overview of substance use disorders (SUD): their characteristics including characteristics of people prone to SUD and of their environment; their ethology from life history narrative and the rationale for person-centered approach in their assessment, treatment and prevention with reference to international perspectives, models of care, and experience.