Familiarizing with national community resources and support groups

The Structures responsible for developing and implementing drug prevention interventions at national level in Lithuania.

The Department of Drugs, Tobacco, and Alcohol Control has an essential mission to contribute to the development of public policy related to the control and prevention of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. Its goals include protecting public health, reducing both the supply of and demand for psychoactive substances, ensuring collaboration among institutions, and addressing new challenges based on scientific evidence.

The Ministry of Health: the Ministry is responsible for public health, including the prevention of drug use. It participates in the development and implementation of national programs and funds prevention programs in municipalities and NGOs.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport: The Ministry is responsible for the education system and therefore runs drug prevention programs in schools and trains teachers and other professionals who work with young people.

The Ministry of Social Protection and Labor: The Ministry is responsible for social protection and is therefore involved in the development and implementation of programs for people who have already experienced problems with drug use.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs: the Ministry is responsible for public order and security, and is therefore involved in the fight against the illicit trafficking of narcotic substances.

The Ministry of Justice: The Ministry is responsible for the legal system and is therefore involved in the development and improvement of legislation related to drug control.

The Lithuanian Prison Service is the state institution responsible for the execution of sentences, the re-socialisation of prisoners and prison security. It is subordinated to the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania. It ensures that prisoners serve the sentences imposed by the courts and facilitates their transformation and reintegration into society. In addition, the Lithuanian Prison Service also carries out a policy of deterrence and prevention programs for the use of drugs by prisoners.

Municipalities. Municipalities play a key role in drug prevention. They act as the primary link, interacting directly with the population and implementing prevention programs at local level. Specific measures are taken by municipalities: setting up drug control commissions, funding prevention programs, developing information campaigns, providing premises and equipment for organizations and cooperating with schools.

Public health offices in Lithuania play a key role in combating drug use and promoting healthy lifestyles. Operating at municipal level, they are directly involved in drug prevention activities and work in close cooperation with other institutions, NGOs and the community. Public Health Offices contribute to drug prevention by disseminating information, implementing prevention programmes, involving the community, working with schools, working with at-risk groups, conducting research and analysis, and providing counselling to the population.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are indispensable partner in the fight against drug addiction in Lithuania. They play an important role both in providing direct assistance to people facing addiction problems and in implementing prevention programs. The NGOs’ activities include counseling and psychological support, rehabilitation programs, social assistance, prevention programs and advocacy for the rights of people with addiction. Some examples of NGOs working in this field in Lithuania: Lithuanian Association of Rehabilitation Communities for Addiction Diseases: unites communities providing support to people with addiction problems. Vilnius Centre for Addiction Diseases: Provides a range of services, including outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation. Vilties kelias: This organization provides support to people with addiction to alcohol and other psychoactive substances.

The Structures responsible for developing and implementing drug prevention interventions at national level in Romania.

According to the National Anti-Drug Agency’s report on the drug situation in Romania (2022)^[1], the coordination of the development and implementation of public policies to prevent drug use is carried out horizontally, between different ministries and administrations at national level, and vertically, from the governmental level to the regional and local level, based on the principle of social responsibility.

The National Anti-Drug Agency (specialized institution of the Ministry of Internal Affairs) develops, coordinates, evaluates and monitors, at national level, the policies in the field of prevention and combating illicit drug trafficking and consumption, as well as integrated assistance to consumers, implemented by the institutions with responsibilities in the field.

The vertical coordination of drug prevention programs, projects, campaigns and interventions at the level of the National Anti-Drug Agency is carried out through the 47 Drug Prevention, Evaluation and Counseling Centers in Romania.

Governmental social actors involved in the development and implementation of drug prevention programs, projects and interventions are:

The Ministry of Education – provides access to quality education to enable beneficiaries to reach their full potential in order to prepare them for competitiveness, while ensuring, recognizing and guaranteeing the rights of the beneficiaries to preserve, develop and express their ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious identity. It is the mission of the Ministry of Education to create an educational environment that ensures the harmonious development of all its beneficiaries by promoting excellence and ensuring equal access to education.

The County School Inspectorates and the School Inspectorate of the Municipality of Bucharest are deconcentrated public services of the Ministry of Education, at county level, which act to achieve the educational objectives set by the Education Law in the field of pre-university education. These deconcentrated structures implement policies and strategies, control the application of legislation and monitor the quality of teaching-learning activities and compliance with national standards/performance indicators. Through the school inspectorate controls, monitors and evaluates the quality of the management of educational units and institutions; ensures, together with the local public administration authorities, the schooling of pupils and monitors their attendance during compulsory education, coordinates the admission to high schools, national assessments and school competitions at the level of the educational units in the county and in the municipality of Bucharest, respectively.

The Ministry of Health develops policies, strategies and action programs in the field of population health, in accordance with the Program of Government and coordinates their implementation at national, regional and local levels. The main task of this Ministry, related to the area of drug prevention, is the organization and coordination of public health care, health promotion and preventive medicine, emergency, curative, rehabilitative, home health care, forensic and sports medicine. One of the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Health is to ensure equitable access of all categories of the population to essential services and to optimize these services, with a focus on preventive services and interventions, including programs, projects, campaigns and interventions for universal prevention of alcohol and tobacco use, with the responsibility to initiate proposals for normative acts or future legislation (lex ferenda) in the field of prevention of alcohol and tobacco use and development of support services for people with substance use disorders.

The public health directorates of the counties and of the municipality of Bucharest are deconcentrated public services, with legal personality, subordinated to the Ministry of Health, representing the public health authority at the local level, which implement national health policies and programs, develop local programs, organize health structures, statistical records on health issues, plan and carry out investments financed from the state budget for the health sector.

 The Ministry of Internal Affairs through the National Anti-Drug Agency which, in the context of its mission to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate public anti-drug policies, by increasing the quality of universal, selective and indicated drug prevention programs and integrated medical, psychological and social services, provides the normative and methodological framework for the development of prevention programs, projects and interventions aimed at the general population and groups at risk.

• The Ministry of Justice, through the National Administration of Penitentiaries, is responsible for the application of the detention regime and for ensuring the rehabilitation intervention, under conditions that guarantee respect for human dignity, facilitating the empowerment and reintegration into society of persons deprived of their liberty and contributing to increasing the safety of the community, maintaining public order and national security. The National Penitentiary Administration implements the Romanian Government’s strategy on the execution of sentences and measures of deprivation of liberty pronounced by the courts of law in the areas under its jurisdiction.
  
  

The National Administration of Penitentiaries is a public service that contributes to the defence of public order and national security, by providing security, escort, supervision, enforcement of the detention/ internment regime, having a special social role, determined by its punitive-educational functions and social reintegration of persons deprived of their liberty.

On the vertical level, the methodological coordination of prevention programs, projects, campaigns and interventions within the ANP is done through the national network made up of 44 penitentiary units, including 1 women’s penitentiary in Târgșor, 6 hospital penitentiaries (Bucharest Jilava, Bucharest Rahova, Mioveni, Dej, Poarta Albă and Târgu Ocna) and four re-education centers for juveniles and minors (Brăila-Tichilești Detention Center, Craiova Detention Center, Buziaș Educational Center, Târgu Ocna Educational Center).

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection realizes national policies, correlated with those at European and international level, in the field of labor, family, social protection and the elderly, fulfilling the role of state authority, strategy and planning, regulation, synthesis, coordination, monitoring, inspection and control, by:

The National Authority for the Protection of Children’s Rights and Adoptions, whose mission is to monitor respect for the rights of all children and to take all measures to contribute to the creation of a society fit for children, involving in this process local and central public administration authorities, civil society, parents and children, and which, in the context of monitoring the implementation of public policies for child protection and legislation on children’s rights, develops and implements, in cooperation with other public institutions or non-governmental organizations, projects and interventions for selective prevention of drug use.

On the vertical level, the methodological coordination of prevention projects and interventions within the ANPDCA is done through the 41 General Directorates of Social Work and Child Protection (DGASPC), respectively the General Directorate of Social Work and Child Protection of Bucharest.

The Ministry of Youth and Sport is a specialized body of the central public administration, subordinated to the Government, having the role of synthesizing and coordinating the implementation of the Government’s strategy and policies in the field of youth and sport, and which, within the national programmes, also finances non-governmental organizations that develop extracurricular programmes as an alternative to drug use, methodologically coordinating projects and interventions through the 41 County Directorates for Sport and Youth, respectively the Directorate of Sport and Youth of Bucharest.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs which, in the context of its mission to implement the foreign policy of the Romanian state, in line with national interests and Romania’s status as a member of the European and Euro-Atlantic structures, in the framework of consular projects, can develop and implement, in partnership with other key institutions, public information campaigns aimed at preventing drug use among Romanians traveling abroad or those in the diaspora.

Local public authorities, other than those mentioned above as decentralized or deconcentrated – County Councils and Local Councils: have a determining role in approving and promoting county anti-drug strategies and in funding anti-drug projects of non-governmental organizations.

The representative civil society structures that develop and implement, in partnership with public institutions or other non-governmental and/or professional organizations, universal or selective drug prevention projects are: – International Centre for Anti-Drug and Human Rights (CIADO Romania); – International Federation of Educational Communities in Romania (FICE Romania); – Romanian Anti-AIDS Association (ARAS); – Association for the Fight against Alcoholism and Drug Addiction (ALIAT); – Romanian Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church, etc.

Besides these national structures described in the National Anti-Drug Agency’s report on the drug situation in Romania (2022), we can mention the civil society representative structures in the field, at local level (Cluj-Napoca): Preventis Association, Christiana Association – St. Dimitrie Basarabov Program, Teen Challenge Romania.

Structures Responsible for Developing and Implementing Drug Prevention Interventions at the National Level in Slovenia:

Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health serves as the central authority responsible for the development and implementation of national policies related to drug use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and rehabilitation. It coordinates public health campaigns and oversees the implementation of strategies aimed at reducing drug-related harm. The ministry also provides guidelines for healthcare providers and addiction treatment centres to ensure consistent and effective services. Through its oversight of public health programs, it focuses on equitable access to care, with particular attention to marginalized populations.

Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities

The Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities plays a crucial role in Slovenia’s drug prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery, and support framework by addressing the social dimensions of substance use. It develops policies and programs to support vulnerable individuals, families, and communities affected by addiction. Through its network of social work centres, Ministry ensures that individuals struggling with substance use disorders have access to social services, counselling, and reintegration programs.

Ministry of Education

Education plays a pivotal role in Slovenia’s drug prevention framework. The Ministry of Education incorporates substance use prevention into school curricula through health education programs. It fosters partnerships with schools to create awareness campaigns, organize workshops, and encourage youth participation in activities that promote mental well-being and resilience against peer pressure to use drugs. The ministry also supports the training of educators to address early signs of substance misuse among students.

Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice oversees the management and rehabilitation of individuals with substance use disorders within the criminal justice system. It implements programs aimed at reducing recidivism among offenders with drug-related convictions, focusing on therapeutic interventions and social reintegration. Through Slovenia’s correctional facilities, it facilitates access to addiction counselling, vocational training, and post-incarceration support, helping individuals reintegrate into society.

Ministry of the Interior

The Ministry of the Interior, through law enforcement agencies, addresses the supply side of drug-related issues by targeting trafficking and illicit drug markets. However, its approach extends beyond enforcement, as it collaborates with community organizations to support harm reduction programs. Police officers are also trained to engage with individuals experiencing addiction with a focus on referral to treatment rather than punitive action for minor drug-related offenses.

National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ)

The NIJZ is a leading authority in collecting and analysing data on substance use and its consequences. It develops evidence-based policies and prevention programs and works closely with local and regional health authorities. The institute is also responsible for public education campaigns that address emerging trends in drug use, such as the rise of new psychoactive substances.

Regional and Local Authorities

Regional and municipal governments in Slovenia play a critical role in tailoring national drug prevention policies to local needs. They provide funding and logistical support for community-based organizations and initiatives. Local public health institutes work directly with schools, healthcare providers, and NGOs to implement prevention, harm reduction, and treatment services.

Municipal councils often partner with civil society organizations to develop targeted programs addressing youth, families, and vulnerable populations affected by drug use.

Key Prevention-focused Organizations

Slovenia’s approach to drug prevention and support is bolstered by the active involvement of several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to promoting health, preventing substance use, and supporting affected individuals and communities. Below is an overview of key NGOs contributing to these efforts:

Institute for Research and Development “Utrip” (UTRIP)

UTRIP is a non-profit, non-governmental research institute focusing on health promotion, prevention of substance use, and related social issues. The institute conducts research, develops evidence-based prevention programs, and provides training and consultancy services. UTRIP collaborates with national and international partners to implement projects aimed at reducing substance use among youth and enhancing community health.

No Excuse Slovenia (Brez izgovora Slovenija)

No Excuse Slovenia is a youth-led organization committed to preventing substance use and promoting healthy lifestyles among young people. The organization conducts educational workshops, campaigns, and advocacy initiatives to raise awareness about the risks associated with substance use. No Excuse Slovenia also empowers youth to become active participants in creating a healthier society through leadership development and community engagement.

Zavod VOZIM

Zavod VOZIM (Institute VOZIM) focuses on road safety and the prevention of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The institute conducts awareness campaigns, educational programs, and advocacy efforts to promote responsible behaviour among drivers, particularly targeting young people. Zavod VOZIM collaborates with schools, communities, and policymakers to reduce traffic accidents related to substance use.

Slovenska zveza za javno zdravje, okolje in tobačno kontrolo (SZOTK)

The Slovenian Association for Public Health, Environment, and Tobacco Control (SZOTK) is dedicated to improving public health through the prevention of tobacco use and addressing environmental health issues. SZOTK implements programs and campaigns to reduce tobacco consumption, advocates for effective tobacco control policies, and addresses environmental factors affecting health.

Društvo za zdravje srca in ožilja Slovenije (Slovenian Heart Foundation)

The Slovenian Heart Foundation focuses on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, which includes addressing risk factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. The organization provides educational resources, conducts health screenings, and organizes events to promote heart-healthy lifestyles. By addressing substance use as a risk factor, the foundation contributes to broader prevention efforts.

Key Community-Based Organizations and Support Groups

Project Človek

This organization is one of Slovenia’s most prominent providers of services for individuals and families affected by drug use. Project Človek offers prevention programs in schools, individual and group therapy, residential rehabilitation, and reintegration services. Its holistic approach focuses on both the individual and their social environment, fostering long-term recovery.

Karitas Slovenia

Karitas operates various programs to support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. These include counselling services, community support groups, and assistance with reintegration into family and work life. The organization’s faith-based approach emphasizes compassion and dignity.

Društvo Up (Association UP)

Association UP is dedicated to drug prevention, particularly among youth and families. It conducts workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns while offering counselling services. The organization collaborates with schools and community centres to create environments that discourage drug use and support at-risk individuals.

Združenje DrogArt (Association DrogArt)

DrogArt focuses on harm reduction for young people who use recreational drugs. It provides outreach services at music festivals, clubs, and other venues, offering information on safer drug use and emergency assistance. DrogArt also operates counselling services and peer support programs.

Društvo Stigma (Association Stigma)

This organization emphasizes harm reduction and provides services such as needle exchange programs, safe consumption spaces, and outreach to homeless individuals who use drugs. It also works to reduce stigma and advocate for the rights of people who use drugs.

AL-ANON Slovenia

AL-ANON groups in Slovenia support families and friends of individuals with substance use disorders. Meetings provide a safe space for members to share experiences, find emotional support, and learn strategies for coping with the challenges of addiction.

AA Slovenia (Anonymous Alcoholics)

Alcoholics Anonymous offers peer support groups across the country for individuals recovering from alcohol and other substance dependencies. Its 12-step program provides a structured approach to recovery, fostering accountability and mutual encouragement.

Therapeutic Communities and Rehabilitation Centres

Slovenia has several residential treatment centres that provide comprehensive care for individuals with severe substance use disorders. These facilities focus on long-term recovery through therapeutic activities, vocational training, and life skills development. They often collaborate with public health and social services for reintegration support.

Referral Networks and Collaboration

Slovenia’s drug prevention and support systems rely on a strong network of cooperation between government institutions, healthcare providers, schools, NGOs, and community organizations. Professionals in these sectors are trained to identify substance use issues and make timely referrals to appropriate services.

Referral pathways include:

• Healthcare providers: General practitioners and specialists refer patients to addiction treatment centres or harm reduction programs.
• Schools: Teachers and counsellors identify at-risk students and connect them to preventive programs or counselling.
• Social work centres: Social workers provide case management and connect individuals with both medical and social resources.
  
  

Public Campaigns and Awareness Initiatives

Slovenia has implemented several public health campaigns to address alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use, combining efforts from the Ministry of Health and various organizations. Those are the most recent campaigns, relevant to the field of prevention:

Alkohol skozi rožnata očala (Alcohol Through Rose-Coloured Glasses): This campaign focuses on raising awareness about the risks associated with alcohol consumption, particularly during pregnancy. It includes comprehensive outreach efforts to educate the public on the dangers of alcohol use and promotes preventive measures to reduce alcohol-related harm. This campaign is led by the Slovenian NCD Alliance (SNCDA) and funded by the Ministry of Health.

Heroji furajo v pižamah (Heroes Drive in Pajamas): Initiated by Zavod VOZIM, this campaign aims to reduce drunk driving among young people. It encourages responsible behaviour by promoting the idea that “heroes” are those who ensure safe transportation for themselves and others, even if it means driving in their pajamas late at night. The campaign has gained significant traction, involving thousands of young participants and parents, and has been recognized for its impact on changing attitudes towards drunk driving. This campaign is funded by the Ministry of Health and the Slovenian Road Safety Agency.

The Structures responsible for developing and implementing drug prevention interventions at national level in Portugal

1. Pre-2000

Before 2000, Portugal’s response to drug use was primarily punitive, and institutions responsible for drug policy were mostly law enforcement-oriented rather than public health-focused.

• 1970s-1980s: Drug use in Portugal increased dramatically, particularly heroin addiction. The government’s approach was strict criminalization, with few prevention or treatment services.
• 1993: The first harm reduction programs were introduced, including needle exchange programs and methadone maintenance therapy, marking the beginning of a public health shift.
• 1998-2000: A national commission was created to study alternatives to criminalization. Based on their recommendations, Portugal decriminalized drug use in 2001.
  
  

2. The creation of the Institute for Drugs and Drug Addiction (ICAD, 2001-2012)

• In 2001, alongside the decriminalization of drug possession, Portugal established the Institute for Drugs and Drug Addiction (Instituto da Droga e da Toxicodependência – ICAD).
• ICAD was responsible for: developing and implementing national drug policies; coordinating treatment, prevention, and harm reduction programs; collecting and analyzing data on drug use trends; overseeing the Commissions for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction (CDTs), which replaced criminal penalties for drug users with a public health approach.
• ICAD played a key role in executing Portugal’s decriminalization strategy, making the country a global reference in evidence-based drug policy.
  
  

3. Restructuring: SICAD replaces ICAD (2012-2023)

• In 2012, ICAD was dissolved, and its responsibilities were transferred to a new entity, the General-Directorate for Intervention on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies (SICAD – Serviço de Intervenção nos Comportamentos Aditivos e nas Dependências).
• SICAD was placed under the Ministry of Health, further reinforcing Portugal’s health-centered approach to drug prevention.
• SICAD focused on: policy planning and coordination in addiction prevention, treatment, and harm reduction; scientific research and data collection to evaluate drug policies; monitoring drug use trends in Portugal and reporting to international bodies like the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).
• SICAD continued to oversee the CDTs, ensuring that Portugal’s non-punitive drug policy remained effective.
  
  

Despite SICAD’s contributions, concerns were raised about the need for a stronger institutional framework with greater autonomy and resources to address new challenges in drug policy, such as rising synthetic drug use and mental health co-morbidities.

4. The reestablishment of ICAD in 2023

• In 2023, Portugal reestablished the Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies (ICAD – Instituto dos Comportamentos Aditivos e das Dependências).
• Why was ICAD brought back? There was a need for a more integrated and specialized national institution to strengthen Portugal’s response to drug addiction; the government aimed to increase coordination between drug prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services under one entity; ICAD provides a more autonomous structure, distinct from SICAD, with direct responsibilities in policy execution and intervention.
• ICAD’s Main Responsibilities:
  • Develop and implement national drug prevention strategies.
  • Ensure effective treatment and harm reduction programs.
  • Promote scientific research and innovation in drug policy.
  • Coordinate local and regional interventions through the Local Intervention Units in Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies (UIL-CAD).
  • Oversee the Commissions for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction (CDTs).
    
    

With the return of ICAD, Portugal aims to reinforce its evidence-based approach, ensuring that public health remains at the core of its drug policy.

5. Current national structures responsible for drug prevention in Portugal (post-2023)
   
   

A. Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies (ICAD)

• The main national body responsible for drug prevention, harm reduction, and addiction treatment.
• Oversees policy planning, research, and intervention programs.
• Works with UIL-CAD and CDTs for local-level implementation.

B. Local Intervention Units in Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies (UIL-CAD)

• Regional-level units providing direct healthcare and social support to individuals with substance use disorders.
• Integrated within the National Health Service (SNS).
• Work in coordination with ICAD and local authorities.

C. Commissions for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction (CDT)

• Non-criminal intervention bodies that handle cases of drug possession.
• Aim to assess risk levels, educate individuals, and refer high-risk cases to treatment.

D. Interministerial Coordination

Portugal’s drug prevention strategy is coordinated across multiple ministries:

• Ministry of Health (ICAD, UIL-CAD)
• Ministry of Education (School-based prevention programs)
• Ministry of Justice (Legal framework & rehabilitation for offenders)
• Ministry of Internal Administration (Law enforcement collaboration)

The Structures responsible for developing and implementing drug prevention interventions at national level in Greece.

In Greece, the structures responsible for developing and implementing drug prevention interventions are multi-faceted and respond to various social and economic challenges. These structures primarily involve a collaborative framework between government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and healthcare systems, all working toward mitigating drug-related issues, especially in the context of rising rates of substance use and the impacts of economic crises.

Governmental Frameworks and National Policies

 Ministry of Health

• Role: Oversees national public health policy, including addiction prevention and treatment.
• Responsibilities:
  • Supervises and funds OKANA, KETHEA, and public health programs.
  • Develops public health strategies on drug prevention, mental health, and harm reduction.
  • Coordinates intersectoral policies and legislation on addictive substances.
  • Supports the expansion of community health services and supervised consumption sites.
    
    

Ministry of Citizen Protection (including the Hellenic Police)

• Role: Implements law enforcement and demand reduction measures.
• Responsibilities:
  • Participates in drug prevention campaigns, especially for youth.
  • Enforces legislation and cooperates in cross-sectoral programs.
  • Provides information on the legal consequences of drug use.
    
    

National Drug Coordinator / National Planning and Coordination Committee for Addressing Drugs

• Role: Central coordinating body for national drug policy.
• Responsibilities:
  • Drafts the National Strategy and Action Plan on Drugs.
  • Coordinates the actions of all involved ministries and stakeholders.
  • Submits strategic documents for approval to the Interministerial Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister.
  • Promotes international cooperation and ensures implementation and monitoring of drug policies.
    
    

OKANA – Organization Against Drugs (Οργανισμός Κατά των Ναρκωτικών)

• Role: Main public body for drug prevention and treatment.
• Responsibilities:
  • Implements preventive programs in schools, communities, and workplaces.
  • Operates a national network of Prevention Centres (in cooperation with municipalities).
  • Offers treatment, harm reduction, reintegration, and training programs.
  • Collects data and supports research on addiction.
    
    

KETHEA – Therapy Center for Dependent Individuals (Κέντρο Θεραπείας Εξαρτημένων Ατόμων)

• Role: Largest rehabilitation and social reintegration network.
• Responsibilities:
  • Provides drug prevention programs, especially targeting youth.
  • Offers therapeutic communities, family support, and educational interventions.
  • Promotes public awareness campaigns and school-based interventions.

With the Law 5129/2024, titled “Completion of the Psychiatric Reform”,  published in the Government Gazette, Issue A’/Number 124, on August 1, 2024,OKANA (Organization Against Drugs), KETHEA (Therapy Center for Dependent Individuals), 18 ANO (Addiction Treatment Unit of the Attica Psychiatric Hospital) are merged in one single entity.

The Structures responsible for developing and implementing drug prevention interventions at national level in Denmark:

Social substance abuse treatment is provided under the Social Services Act, while medical substance abuse treatment is provided under the Health Act.

RELEVANT ACTORS: Relevant actors are those actors who can be involved to ensure that the drug addict receives a holistic and coherent effort based on individual needs and wishes. Relevant stakeholders may include relatives, psychiatric staff, probation officers, GPs, housing support workers, stakeholders from the PSP collaboration (police, social authorities and psychiatry), employees from job centres and educational guidance, and relevant stakeholders from civil society.

The municipality must ensure coherence and wholeness in addiction treatment across the municipality’s various initiatives. ” The National Association of Local Authorities” recommends that each municipality develops a strategy for how to ensure comprehensiveness and coherence for the individual person with addiction. Among other things, the strategy should include coherence between employment efforts, social psychiatry, the family department and addiction treatment.

Instructions on co-operation with relevant actors

The municipality must ensure coherence and wholeness in addiction treatment across the municipality’s various initiatives. ” The National Association of Local Authorities recommends that each municipality prepares a strategy for how to ensure comprehensiveness and coherence for the individual citizen with addiction. Among other things, the strategy should include coherence between employment efforts, social psychiatry, the family department and addiction treatment. References: [5], [19], [32], [33], [70] Formal collaboration agreements and structures should be established within the treatment centre and with relevant external municipal, regional and civil society actors. The agreements must ensure that the necessary actors can be involved as needed and that there is a clear division of roles and tasks. In connection with health agreements and coordinated action plans: 35

The National Board of Health and Welfare knowledge for good” locally adapted guidelines for coordinating action plans between regions and municipalities for citizens with severe mental disorders and concurrent substance abuse and/or citizens with mental disorders, concurrent substance abuse and with complex social problems ” ensure that all relevant therapists and caseworkers are aware of where in the region or municipality the coordinator function for the coordinating action plans is located ” ensure that the regional and municipal councils in the region cooperate on efforts in the health sector and on efforts for cohesion between the health sector and neighbouring sectors. References: [9], [32], [33], [38], [70] – [72]

The head of the treatment facility is responsible for establishing, in cooperation with relevant authorities, a structure that ensures the necessary coordination of the citizen’s treatment plan, the section 141 action plan, the medical treatment plan, the job centre job plan and any other plans. References: [72] – [74] If the citizen has an action plan drawn up under section 141 of the Danish Social Services Act, relevant parts of this action plan must be handed over to the treatment centre. References: [131] The treatment centre should cooperate with and establish contact with relevant civil society actors and thereby support the citizen in participating in healthy and positive communities that, as a supplement to the substance abuse treatment, can promote the citizen’s recovery process. References: [75], [76] The municipality must ensure that there are smooth and flexible opportunities for collaboration across municipal departments, administrations and with other sectors.

[1] https://ana.gov.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RN_2022.pdf.