The nine principles for the development of services for treatment of drug use include: (1) availability and accessibility of drug dependence treatment; (2) screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning; (3) evidence-informed drug dependent treatment; (4) drug dependence treatment, human rights, and patient dignity; (5) targeting special subgroups and conditions; (6) addiction treatment with the criminal justice system; (7) community involvement, participation, and patient orientation; (8) clinical governance of drug dependence treatment services; and (9) treatment systems: policy development, strategic planning, and coordination of services. This discussion paper aims to encourage governments and other partners to take concerted action for the implementation of evidence-based drug dependence treatment services, which respond to the needs of their populations. In addition to the nine key principles for the development of services for treatment of drug use disorders, a description and justification, components, and actions to promote each principle are outlined.