On the 8th of July, 2021 the ISSUP Symposium “Substance Use and the Role of Families” took place within the World Psychiatric Association Regional Congress “Psychopathology in Periods of Transformation” which had happened in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July, 07-09, 2021.
Family members become closely engaged with those in their family who experience substance use disorders. However, in many countries they are not involved in addressing ways they could support or affect the treatment/recovery process. When a family member suffers from a substance use disorder, the effect on the family will differ according to individual issues and the family structure. Nevertheless, the role of families and family members is often crucial. They can create a supportive environment and play a protective role in the recovery process. Alternatively, they can trigger the worsening of the condition or even provoke a relapse. It is therefore important to address the need for families of those family members with substance use disorders.
Speakers of the Symposium:
Jeff Lee (UK) - Senior Consultant International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP). Former Executive Director of ISSUP and Mentor International and consultant to UNODC and WHO.
English experience of the role of families in substance use issues – Vivienne Evans O.B.E. (UK), Chief Executive, Adfam (Adfam is the only national English charity tackling the effects of alcohol, drug use or gambling on family members and friends.
Results of the online-surveys “Working with Families” conducted in Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Pakistan among subjects who use or had experience of using psychoactive substances and their family members – Olha Myshakivska (Ukraine), MD, PhD, National Chapter Regional Coordinator, International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP)
“Working with Families” in Ukraine – first results of the online-surveys – Irina Pinchuk (Ukraine), MD, PhD, Director, Institute of Psychiatry of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Vice-President of the Ukrainian Psychiatric Association, Country Director, International Technology Transfer Center - Ukraine, Head of ISSUP Ukraine National Chapter
Involvement of family in addiction treatment: assessment of SUD services in Ukraine – Yulia Yachnik (Ukraine), Doctor psychologist, University Clinic of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
Involvement of family members in the rehabilitation of patients with substance use disorders in Kazakhstan – Nadezhda Cherchenko (Kazakhstan), MD, Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Mental Health, National Coordinator for OST, Opioid Overdoses and NPS, Coordinator of ISSUP Kazakhstan National Chapter
Social and Familial Aspects of Substance Use Disorders and Treatment in Pakistan – Saima Asghar (Pakistan), Director of ISSUP Pakistan National Chapter, Executive Director of “New Life Rehab Centre, Sialkot-Pakistan” (For Substance Use Disorder Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation).
Please find the abstract of the event attached. The recording of the meeting will be available soon.