Effective drug dependence treatment

From March 5 through May 22, 2013 a series of drug dependence treatment trainings were conducted by UNODC in all the regions of Uzbekistan. The main goal was to introduce an effective model of drug dependence treatment based on a holistic approach to reach the needs of drug users on a medical, psychological and social level. A significant improvement in the quality of services was achieved as a result of these trainings. The resource center for this project (Tashkent city narcolodical dispensary) provided positive feedback, and the plan is to implement these trainings throughout the country. In total, 130 addiction professionals, including staff from the regional narcological dispensaries and district narcological cabinets serving rural population attended the 2 day training. The holistic model of narcological aid was presented to a wide range of addiction professionals. This model is based on the concept of continuity between the different treatment service components. Individual narcological aid planning was touched upon. This approach is gradual, multilevel, continuous and long-term. Therapeutic interventions aim at readapting and resocializing drug dependants. The training's participants learned about providing assistance to co-dependant family members in outpatient settings, including district narcological cabinets. An assessment of needs of the patients was used, as well as the "Addiction Severity Index", in order to focus the trainings and maximise their potential.

Bases on the analysis of local conditions and functioning narcological services, the national trainers provided the administration of these regional dispensaries with concrete recommendations. These included the expansion of types of medical and psychological services to drug users. A detailed plan covering the holistic model of narcological services was developed, discussed and approved by the chief narcologists for each region.