USAID Funds a Training Course for Specialists Working with Drug Users

PAS No 250
July 16, 2009

Some of Turkmenistan’s drug addiction counselors learn modern approaches in the management of drug-addicted patients

Ashgabat, July 16, 2009 – Today, the CAPACITY project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) jointly with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan started a workshop on relapse prevention among drug users.

This six-day workshop is designed for specialists of the narcology department of Turkmen State Medical Institute, narcology clinics of Ashgabat and other provinces of Turkmenistan.  The workshop aims to improve the knowledge and skills of narcologists in conducting psychotherapeutic correction and anti-relapsing work for drug users.  After the workshop, these specialists will be able to conduct effective treatment and rehabilitation efforts with drug users.

The workshop is led by two international consultants from Hope Consulting and Diagnostic Center in Kostanay, Kazakhstan.  During the workshop, the participants will learn how addicted individuals develop their personality, what influences this process, how addictions are formed, and how to plan work with addicted individuals.  Presentations and discussions will focus on various aspects of psychotherapy, on work with co-dependants, and on evaluation of their environment.

This workshop is one of the many activities made possible by the American people through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Turkmenistan.  Since 1993, the American people through USAID have provided over $80 million in programs that support Turkmenistan’s economic growth, social sector, and community initiatives.