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

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.

Similar Posts

  • Iran to Launch Nationwide Distribution of Indigenous Pentavalent Vaccines

    The Iranian health ministry will distribute domestically produced pentavalent vaccines nationwide starting Tuesday, aimed at protecting infants from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, and hepatitis B. FDA head Mehdi Pir-salehi announced the rollout of 800,000 units, with plans to increase to 1.2 million. This vaccine has been part of Iran’s immunization strategy since 2014, with children receiving three doses. Concurrently, a polio eradication campaign targets high-risk areas, vaccinating 300,000 children under five this spring. Iran, polio-free since 2000, continues to combat the disease amid rising cases in neighboring countries, ensuring the health of its youngest population.

  • Iran’s Media Manipulation: Unraveling the Widening Class Divide Under Regime Control

    In Iran, poverty and inequality are escalating, yet state-run media often gloss over their root causes, focusing instead on superficial statistics. The current regime, mirroring past governments, avoids accountability while the rich-poor gap widens. Although officials acknowledge the economic crisis, they evade addressing its underlying issues. Reports reveal alarming trends, such as rising school dropout rates, reflecting systemic failures and deep class divisions. Tragic incidents involving child laborers underscore the dire circumstances faced by impoverished families. The regime prioritizes its survival and elite interests over public welfare, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change and accountability.

  • This article will be expanded soon. This article will be expanded soon. This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly. This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly. This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly. This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.

  • Iran Takes the Lead: Elected to Represent South and West Asia on Ramsar Convention Standing Committee

    Iran has been elected to represent South and West Asia on the Ramsar Convention Standing Committee, enhancing its role in international environmental decision-making during COP15 in Zimbabwe. This position allows Iran to influence regional wetland conservation efforts and participate in global discussions. The Standing Committee, which includes representatives from 18 countries, guides and monitors wetland conservation initiatives. Iran was also elected Vice-Chair at COP15, where a new strategic plan for 2025-2034 was adopted. Additionally, three Iranian cities received wetland city accreditation, highlighting their commitment to sustainable practices and community engagement in wetland conservation.

  • Air Pollution Linked to 16% Surge in Mortality Rates: A Growing Health Crisis

    Air pollution poses a serious public health risk, linked to a 16% increase in mortality rates, with a 27% rise in cardiovascular deaths and a 28% increase in lung cancer fatalities. The World Health Organization highlights it as a major environmental health threat, causing over seven million premature deaths annually. In Tehran, fine particulate matter, particularly during colder months, significantly worsens air quality, leading to severe health issues, including heart conditions and respiratory problems. The Iranian Health Ministry reports around 50,000 pollution-related deaths each year. Effective solutions include stricter regulations, renewable energy advancements, and increased public awareness to combat this crisis.