Central Asia introduces therapeutic programme for the treatment of people with substance use disorders

Events have been organised in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The aim of this intervention has been to develop a therapeutic programme for the treatment of people with substance use disorders and to agree on a protocol for collaboration between prison staff and civil society in relation to people who use drugs in prison.

One of the key problems of drug dependence treatment in Central Asia is its medicalisation, as well as the lack of psychosocial help and support. Treatment is mainly provided through the narcological service, which is part of the national medical system. The absence of aftercare makes it difficult for these people to integrate into society.

Ernest Robello, Director of the European programme Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP), pointed to the development of modern treatment and harm reduction models and capacity building in therapy, rehabilitation and social reintegration as key processes in the development of health and social responses to drug use. In this regard, the director stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration between NGOs working in the rehabilitation of drug-dependent prisoners and prison staff.

Governmental institutions, NGO representatives, international organisations, governmental agencies and the scientific community have participated in round tables in different Central Asian countries as part of the European programme Central Asian Drug Action Programme (CADAP).

In Central Asia, Opioid Substitution Treatment programmes currently exist in three of the five countries. In Kyrgyzstan, a programme has been running since 2002, and in Kazakhstan a pilot programme started in 2008. In Tajikistan, a programme started in 2010.

The next task of this project is to create a draft therapeutic programme that will be further discussed with specialists, treatment providers and community members in Central Asia.