The human right to education among persons in recovery from substance use disorders

Abstract

Although access to quality education is recognized as a fundamental human right in the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it remains unattainable for individuals in recovery from addictions, largely due to invisibilization and criminalization by the Mexican State. Given the lack of intersectoral policies and the prevalence of private rehabilitation methods lacking scientific rigor, there is an urgent need to transition toward re-education models based on social pedagogy and situated learning.

In response to this challenge, the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) implemented the 'Renacer Model,' which integrates human development, academic growth, and socio-occupational inclusion. By strengthening essential competencies—such as mathematical reasoning, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking—this proposal seeks not only to prevent relapse but also to guarantee academic continuity and participant autonomy. From this framework, education is positioned as the key mechanism for effective social reintegration and the dignified reconstruction of a life project.