On the way to the Barcelona Forum on Drugs, the 8th Thematic Discussion aims to pay tribute to local communities around the world in addressing drug-related problems. A selection of best practices from Barcelona will be presented, the city...
As justice systems increasingly shift their focus from punishment to
rehabilitation
, it becomes essential to understand the complex relationship between substance use, criminal behaviour, and
treatment
, particularly among individuals whose involvement with the system stems from substance use.
As part of the QualityRights Initiative, WHO has developed a comprehensive package of training and guidance materials. The materials can be used to build capacity among mental health practitioners, people with psychosocial, intellectual and cognitive disabilities, people using mental health services, families, care partners and other supporters, nongovernmental organizations, organizations of persons with disabilities and others on how to implement a human rights and
recovery
approach in the area of mental health in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with...
ISSUP Nigeria marked a major milestone with a leadership transition ceremony that combined the inauguration of new executive officers with a warm send-off for the outgoing team. The moment signalled continuity, renewal, and the beginning of a fresh chapter for the National Chapter in Nigeria.
In her first remarks to the media, the newly inaugurated President, Dr. Olajumoke Koyejo, declared that a new era of youth-driven leadership had begun, describing the moment as “Youth O’Clock in ISSUP Nigeria.” She outlined her administration’s vision to deepen the society’s national impact through...
ISSUP Nigeria presents the 30th session of its bi-monthly webinar in the Knowledge Update Series. This webinar will focus on the topic 'Integrated Behavioural Health Approaches In Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Prevention,
Treatment
And
Recovery
: Bridging Gaps In Service Delivery'.
The AUC convened a Drug Control Technical Experts Meeting in Maputo to review progress under the AUPA 2019–2025 and shape the next continental drug strategy. ISSUP, represented by Joanna Travis-Roberts and A/Prof Goodman Sibeko, contributed to discussions on strengthening both drug supply and demand reduction. Delegates highlighted persistent challenges, including limited capacity, weak data systems, and uneven access to
treatment
across Member States. The draft AU Drug Strategy 2026–2033 proposes ten strategic pillars centred on public health, data integration, youth engagement, coordinated governance, and addressing harms related to substance use disorders. ISSUP reaffirmed its commitment to capacity building, youth and community engagement, network strengthening, and improved data collection through tools such as the Web App ASSIST.
Admase et al.
Substance AbuseTreatment
, Prevention, and Policy (2025) 20:43 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-025-00660-y
Background
Stigma
related to drug use is a well-documented barrier to engaging and remaining on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), yet little is known about how stigma operates across multiple social and institutional settings in low-resource contexts.
Methods
This qualitative study draws on 40 in-depth interviews with current and former MOUD clients and four focus groups with 35 current clients at an opioid treatment clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Transcripts were thematically analyzed to explore how stigma influenced MOUD adherence and retention.
In this reading list, we provide resources to help engage our members with the latest knowledge, tools, and case studies on quality standards in substance use disorder
treatment
. These materials highlight international frameworks, research-backed practices, and country-level initiatives designed to improve access, strengthen systems, and ensure safe, ethical, and effective care.
Together, they offer a practical foundation for policy-makers, service providers, researchers, and healthcare professionals to reflect on what “quality” means in treatment and how to achieve it across diverse...
The WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health and
Treatment
of Substance Use Disorders provides a comprehensive snapshot of global trends in alcohol consumption, related harms, and national policy responses, alongside the availability and quality of treatment services for alcohol and drug use disorders.
Key Highlights:
Presents the latest data from WHO Member States, aligned with SDG Health Target 3.5: “Strengthen prevention and treatment of
substance abuse
, including narcotic
drug abuse
and harmful use of alcohol.”
Offers updated insights on global alcohol consumption patterns...
ISSUP-KENYA in partnership with Mshauri Therapy Hub and Pro Care, is organising the 2025 International "Mental Health Conference & Excursion" to be held in Kigali, Rwanda.*
Substance use surveillance has emerged as a crucial public health strategy across Africa, particularly in light of the alarming rise in substance use among adolescents (1). This trend poses significant health risks that require a comprehensive understanding of the underlying dynamics. Substance use surveillance plays a pivotal role in developing a thorough understanding of the underlying dynamics of substance use across various populations, particularly in Africa. By systematically collecting and analyzing data on substance use trends, prevalence, and associated health risks, surveillance...
The African Union Commission (AUC) has held an annual continental consultation for
Drug Demand Reduction
(DDR) since 2015. AUC member states are each represented by their respective
DDR
national focal points, allowing member states an opportunity to present national DDR activities in a peer-review platform that also allows engagement with invited subject matter experts. This year’s consultation was held in Arusha, Tanzania from 10-13 December 2024, and included Traditional Leaders from Southern Africa. The theme for this year’s consultation was “Prevention is better than Cure: Towards...
Agwogie, M. O. (2024). Rapid assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to synthetic drugs in Nigeria. Global Initiative on
Substance Abuse
www.gisainitiative.org
Synthetic drugs have become a significant global public health concern, and particularly in Nigeria. More worrisome is the level of ingenuity associated with synthetic drugs, the speed of production, difficulties in identification and the limited information on their health and social consequences for clinical and policy interventions. This project aimed at contributing to efforts towards mitigating synthetic drugs threat in Nigeria by enhancing knowledge, local capacities and fostering collaborative knowledge-sharing among key stakeholders. The primary objectives were to conduct a rapid...
Last week the Botswana Association of
Addiction
Professionals - BAAP / ISSUP Botswana had the honour of participating in the Botswana Police Service Youth Dialogue panel discussions, centred around the theme: "I Am Affected: Breaking the Cycle of Gender-Based Violence, Substance Use, and Improving Mental Health."
The Global Recovery Network is committed to providing valuable and relevant content for our community.
To ensure our upcoming webinar series aligns with the needs and interests of our audience, we have developed this survey with U.S. based Faces and Voices of Recovery to determine which topics may be of most relevance. Our goal is to offer webinars that not only inform but also develop and build skills that support recovery,
advocacy
, and professional growth.
Your feedback is crucial in helping us design a webinar series that resonates with and benefits you.
The National Anti-Drug Committee (CNAD), in collaboration with its partners, organised a forum on 13th August 2024 in Lomé to launch anti-drug coalitions and the national network of prevention,
treatment
, and
rehabilitation
professionals in Togo.