Tehran Welcomes Global Experts at the Addiction Science Congress: Uniting for Solutions!

The 17th Addiction Science Congress recently took place at Iran Medical Science University in Tehran, emphasizing the importance of organized efforts and collaboration to address drug-related challenges. This significant event, held from February 12 to 14, brought together leading academics and practitioners dedicated to tackling addiction, which has become a pressing social issue.

The Congress served as an essential platform for sharing cutting-edge research and insights from various fields. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with the latest findings and contribute their unique perspectives on addiction and its implications.

During the opening session, representatives from both governmental and non-governmental organizations discussed the progress made in combating addiction over the years while also addressing the ongoing challenges they face. According to a press release from the UN Iran website on March 3, this dialogue was critical for assessing the current landscape of addiction treatment and prevention.

Key Highlights from the Congress:

• Welcome Addresses: Professor Mohammad Taghi Joghataei, Congress Chair, expressed gratitude to participants for their commitment to addressing addiction.
• Encouragement for Research: Ramin Radfar, the scientific secretary, praised Iranian scholars and urged emerging researchers to delve deeper into addiction studies.
• Medical Community’s Role: Leaders like Nader Tavakoli, Dean of Iran University of Medical Sciences, and Mohammad Raeiszadeh, President of the Iranian Medical Council, emphasized the vital role of medical professionals in combating addiction.

Brigadier General Hossein Zolfaghari, Secretary General of the Iranian Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ), shared his experiences in addiction treatment and acknowledged the complexities surrounding drug-related issues beyond mere cultivation and trafficking. He stressed the necessity of harnessing available expertise and experiences to effectively address drug addiction.

Zolfaghari proposed the establishment of a national addiction knowledge hub and network to facilitate the sharing of valuable insights. He highlighted the rising global addiction rates and the changing dynamics of drug production and illegal trade, particularly through social media. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of implementing measurable and effective interventions to combat this crisis.

He also pointed out the need for:

• Strategic policymaking aligned with the 7th Development Plan and directives from the Supreme Leader.
• Structured implementation of addiction prevention and treatment initiatives.
• Innovative and diverse treatment approaches to better address the evolving nature of addiction.

Alireza Raeisi, Deputy Minister of Health, announced the creation of specialized centers for addiction prevention. He stressed the importance of teaching health skills in schools to mitigate long-term risks associated with substance abuse. With a vast network of around 35,000 health centers nationwide, he emphasized prioritizing at-risk individuals, particularly children of addicted parents, and advocated for innovative prevention models due to constrained resources.

Dr. Raeisi highlighted the necessity of early intervention and harm reduction strategies alongside addiction treatment. He noted that while Iran operates 1,383 rehabilitation centers serving approximately 300,000 individuals affected by addiction, there remains a critical need to convert scientific evidence into practical approaches and policies.

Javad Hosseini, Head of the State Welfare Organization, underscored the importance of:

• Education and cultural initiatives to raise awareness about addiction.
• Community-based programs targeting high-risk populations, particularly women and youth.
• Reforming welfare policies to provide employment support for rehabilitated individuals.

According to Alexander Fedulov, the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Iran, the UNODC World Drug Report 2024 revealed alarming statistics: 292 million people worldwide have used illicit drugs, with 64 million suffering from drug use disorders. He emphasized that addiction significantly impacts health and well-being, with vulnerable groups—such as women, youth, and marginalized populations—bearing the brunt of this crisis.

Fedulov noted that drug use disorders lead to substantial societal costs, including healthcare expenses and lost productivity. He reiterated that scientific research has established drug dependence as a complex health issue, best addressed within public health systems, akin to chronic conditions like HIV.

He stressed the necessity of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction programs, including methadone maintenance therapy. UNODC remains committed to supporting Iran’s Drug Control Headquarters in formulating comprehensive drug policies.

Furthermore, Fedulov praised the 17th Addiction Scientific Congress as a valuable opportunity for knowledge sharing, aimed at developing comprehensive public health strategies to combat drug use. He highlighted UNODC’s willingness to collaborate and enhance drug policy analysis to improve treatment and rehabilitation efforts.

The Congress provided an excellent opportunity for decision-makers, officials, academics, researchers, and therapists to exchange the latest scientific findings. This collaborative environment aims to advance knowledge management for addiction interventions throughout the country.

UNODC in Iran continues to support the Iranian scientific community’s efforts to better understand addiction and guide policymakers in making informed, evidence-based decisions. They established an information booth at the congress to share their work in Iran and distribute scientific materials to students, scholars, and professionals.