The Oppelia Association: Some observations on its short history

Oppelia, created in 2007 through the merger of two associations in the Paris region, has since brought together twenty-three other associations and organizations working in the field of addiction. Oppelia, now present in more than twenty departments, was founded on the values of humanism and respect for the individual, who is a free person and subject of law. Oppelia’s operations are based on three pillars: cooperation between the various stakeholders, professionals, volunteers, and those receiving support; subsidiarity, giving the field a high degree of management autonomy; and care and harm reduction in professional practices, with a shift from a medical to a more social approach. Continuing education, research, evaluation, and advocacy are considered essential missions for its community life, beyond individual intervention alone. In its institutional dynamic, the association ensures that debate is ongoing. In this respect, it is fully in line with the field of public health in the broadest sense.