ABSTRACT BOOK Yaba, Methamphetamine, and Synthetic Drugs August 6–8, 2025 Bangkok, THAILAND 2025 International Conference on Drug Policy Meet Our Speaker: Alireza Noroozi Alireza Noroozi is Technical Officer (Mental Health and Substance Abuse) at Afghanistan WHO Country Office TITLE "Adapting Evidence-Based Behavioral Treatment for Individuals with Stimulant Use Disorder into Afghanistan Context" SHORT BIO My educational and work background falls into the field of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, especially in the treatment and harm reduction of substance use disorders and addictive behaviors. I am involved in clinical research on both pharmacotherapies and behavioral interventions in addiction medicine. My current work (as of July 2025) address the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder, treatment of opioid and cannabis use disorders among children and adolescents, buprenorphine maintenance treatment in prisons, and smartphone-based blended psychosocial treatment among individuals with opioid use disorder receiving opioid agonist treatments. Abstract Afghanistan has long been identified as a country with major opiate production and use. An increasing trend of stimulants including methamphetamine and Tablet K (mix of amphetamine-type stimulants such as amphetamine, methamphetamine and MDMA ± sildenafil) has been emerged during recent decade which has been worsened following Taliban announcement of ban on opium cultivation in April 2022, and enforcement of the ban in 2023. It resulted in a sharp increase in retail price market of opiates including while locally produced methamphetamine is available with low price. To respond to increasing demand for methamphetamine treatment in drug treatment programs and to strengthen national capacity to provide effective psychosocial treatment for individuals with methamphetamine use disorder, Afghanistan WHO Country Office hired international consultant to modify TRSUT Protocol for Afghanistan context, facilitate a 6-day training on adapted TRUST Protocol for a group of clinical psychologists and psychosocial counsellors (PSCs) working in inpatient/residential DATCs and OAMT Clinics and provide weekly supervision for three months for participants while they are providing the intervention for their clients. In this presentation the Afghanistan experiences to adapt evidence-based behavioral treatments into Afghanistan context will be presented and discussed. Alireza Noroozi BIOgraphy My educational and work background falls into the field of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, especially in the treatment and harm reduction of substance use disorders and addictive behaviors. I am involved in clinical research on both pharmacotherapies and behavioral interventions in addiction medicine. My current work (as of July 2025) address the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder, treatment of opioid and cannabis use disorders among children and adolescents, buprenorphine maintenance treatment in prisons, and smartphone-based blended psychosocial treatment among individuals with opioid use disorder receiving opioid agonist treatments. Abstract Afghanistan has long been identified as a country with major opiate production and use. An increasing trend of stimulants including methamphetamine and Tablet K (mix of amphetamine-type stimulants such as amphetamine, methamphetamine and MDMA ± sildenafil) has been emerged during recent decade which has been worsened following Taliban announcement of ban on opium cultivation in April 2022, and enforcement of the ban in 2023. It resulted in a sharp increase in retail price market of opiates including while locally produced methamphetamine is available with low price. To respond to increasing demand for methamphetamine treatment in drug treatment programs and to strengthen national capacity to provide effective psychosocial treatment for individuals with methamphetamine use disorder, Afghanistan WHO Country Office hired international consultant to modify TRSUT Protocol for Afghanistan context, facilitate a 6-day training on adapted TRUST Protocol for a group of clinical psychologists and psychosocial counsellors (PSCs) working in inpatient/residential DATCs and OAMT Clinics and provide weekly supervision for three months for participants while they are providing the intervention for their clients. In this presentation the Afghanistan experiences to adapt evidence-based behavioral treatments into Afghanistan context will be presented and discussed. Adapting Evidence-Based Behavioral Treatment for Individuals with Stimulant Use Disorder into Afghanistan Context Aleksander Piecyk Operationalizing Intelligence: Current intelligence & INCB Tools to counter Synthetic drug trafficking networks in Southeast Asia BIOGRAPHY Aleksander Piecyk is the Regional Technical Officer for East, Southeast Asia & the Pacific with the International Narcotics Control Board, based in Bangkok, Thailand. His role is to train law enforcement and customs officers across the region to better understand, identify and interdict dangerous and non-controlled substances using operational tools and intelligence led targeting. He is also coordinating INCB’s work with private sector partners in the region across various sectors. Previously, he was based in Almaty, Kazakhstan and New Delhi, India as the Regional Technical Officer overseeing the work of the INCB in Central and South Asia respectively. Prior to his work with the INCB, Aleks worked for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime where he was responsible for coordinating activities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling across 16 countries. Aleks also worked in Thailand with the UNODC Border Management programme where he helped develop a secure communication platform to collect and share intelligence at border locations across Southeast Asia to combat transnational organized crime. Abstract The objective of this presentation is to provide an overview of the latest regional trends in the trafficking of methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs, including New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), synthetic opioids, and associated precursor chemicals. The second part of the presentation will focus on the INCB GRIDS Programme, highlighting its proprietary intelligence-led tools designed to support efforts to counter the trafficking of these substances. This includes collaboration with governments and law enforcement agencies, as well as addressing emerging threats in the online environment and the growing need for engagement with the private sector. Anja Busse Stimulant use and stimulant use disorders - Updates from the World Health Organization BIOgraphy Anja Busse has joined the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2025 as Unit Head (Drugs Alcohol and Addictive Behaviours) in the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health. She has a background in Psychology and Public health and prior to joining WHO has worked for close to 20 years with the United Nations Secretariat in Vienna, Austria. At UNODC, she coordinated the agency’s global programmes on treatment of drug use disorders including the UNODC-WHO Programme on Drug Dependence Treatment and Care and other large-scale implementation and technical assistance projects reaching more than 50 countries in all regions. She contributed to key technical tools and initiatives such as for example the WHO-UNODC International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders (2020), the WHO-UNODC SOS (Stop Overdose safely) Initiative and Study on opioid overdose management and led the development a training package on family therapy (Treatnet Family) that was also developed in coordination with WHO. WHO currently collaborates with UNODC and EUDA on the #ScaleUp initiative for scalable treatment of stimulant use disorders. Abstract The presentation will focus on WHO's role in addressing stimulant use and stimulant use disorders globally. This includes the monitoring of treatment service capacity, estimating the drug-attributable burden, issuance of technical guidance and WHO's role in the #ScaleUp initiative on increasing research on and access to effective treatment for stimulant dependence. Anne Yee The development of an online intervention to reduce HIV/STI risk and drug use- related harms among stimulant-using MSM in Malaysia BIOGRAPHY Abstract I am currently an Associate Professor at Monash University and adjunct Professor at University Malaya, serving as a Consultant and Addiction Psychiatrist at KPJ Puteri Johor and The Mind Faculty KL. Previously, I held academic and clinical posts at University of Malaya, coordinating the Nicotine Addiction Research Group (NARCC) and contributing to the University Malaya Center of Addiction Science (UMCAS). My leadership extends to national policy and advocacy, including roles as Honorary Secretary of the Addiction Medicine Association of Malaysia (AMAM), member of the Care Warriors Association, and Advisory Board member for the Malaysian Drug Policy Reform Program (MDPR) under the Malaysia Aids Foundation. I serve as Technical and Expert Advisor to the Ministry of Health Malaysia, contributing to clinical guidelines, the mQuit Service Project, and tobacco-free campus initiatives. My clinical focus is on addiction and dual diagnosis, especially men’s health, with research interests spanning smoking, alcohol, and substance use. My team developed a nationally recognized smoking cessation app and secured competitive research grants on smoking cessation, sexual health in opioid users, and harm reduction among MSM. With over 100 publications and an H- index of 21, I am regularly invited to speak at conferences locally and abroad. This study reports on the development and evaluation of an online intervention aimed at reducing HIV/STI risks and drug use-related harms among stimulant-using men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malaysia. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial between December 2020 and June 2022, the intervention adapted the ASSIST-brief tool and Chemsex Care Plan into a digital format, accessible via www.chemfunsupport.online. The website featured harm reduction resources, service linkages, and community outreach support. A total of 154 stimulant-using MSM aged 18–56 were recruited through social media and referral networks. Inclusion criteria included chemsex activity in the past year and ability to provide online consent. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group received online ASSIST brief intervention and Chemsex Care Plan counseling, while both groups completed follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 weeks. The sample was largely single, employed, university-educated, and identified as homosexual. High rates of anal sex, chemsex, and bareback sex were reported, alongside inconsistent condom use. Mental health issues were common, with moderate to severe depression, anxiety, and stress levels. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in primary outcomes (reduction of drug use), though the intervention group showed slightly greater score reductions. Challenges included low retention (30% at 12 weeks) and smaller sample size than anticipated. Recommendations include improved data security, dedicated caseworker support, and sustained outreach via social media. As the first online chemsex intervention in Malaysia, this study provides groundwork for future harm reduction efforts targeting MSM communities. 6 Asst. Prof. Dr. Aroon La-up, I am a public health professional and educator of experience in community health, biostatistics, and epidemiology. I earned my Ph.D. in Community Medicine from Chiang Mai University in 2018, following a Master’s degree in Applied Statistics from Naresuan University and a Bachelor's in Public Health from Chiang Mai University. My currently serves as Assistant Professor at the Nakhonsawan Campus, Mahidol University. Prior to this, he held academic positions at Walailak University. My research has focused on environmental health risks, cadmium exposure, and chronic diseases, with numerous publications in peer- reviewed journals. My academic interests span biostatistics, epidemiology modeling, health risk assessment, and the intersection of environmental exposures and community health. Aroon La-up Association between Blood Metragynine Levels and Blood Hematological and Clinical-Chemistry Parameters BIOGRAPHY Abstract This study aimed to investigate the relationship between blood mitragynine levels and hematological and clinical-chemistry parameters. The general characteristics of kratom users in this study revealed that the majority were men (84.9% of 192 regular kratom users). The average duration of kratom use among the sample group was 20.8 years (s.d. = 13.9 years), with a maximum of 57 years. The average frequency of use was 6 times per day, and the average number of leaves used was 15 leaves per day. This study indicates that only WBC is associated with blood mitragynine levels, showing an increasing trend. The analysis suggests a conservative blood mitragynine level dose obtained from WBC data of 90.86 ng/mL. Our findings suggest that the abnormality of WBC, based on a 95% CI value exceeding the reference range of WBC (between 4000 – 9000 cells/mm³), and the recommended dose of blood mitragynine levels, which was the lowest value in the third quartile, require further investigation to understand their impact on health risk assessments better. Nevertheless, our findings imply that the new blood mitragynine levels dose, based on hematological toxicity, could be considered a novel exposure limit for blood mitragynine levels in the future. Ayumi Takano A Cohort Study of People on Probation for Drug Use and the Development of Community-Based Support in Japan: The Voice Bridges Project BIOGRAPHY Dr. Ayumi Takano obtained her Bachelor of Nursing from the School of Nursing, Chiba University. She began her clinical career as a registered nurse in internal medicine and psychiatry. She received her Ph.D. in Health Sciences from the Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo. She subsequently held academic positions at the University of Tokyo, Yokohama City University, and Tokyo Medical and Dental University. She is currently engaged in research focused primarily on the prevention and treatment of substance use problems at the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry. Abstract This study is a three-year cohort investigation of individuals on probation following arrest for drug use in Japan. It examines key domains including patterns of drug use, quality of life (QOL), and access to medical and social support services. Participants were referred by probation offices, and follow-up interviews were conducted via telephone by staff at local Mental Health and Welfare Centers. Anonymous data from these interviews were analyzed by researchers at the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP). In addition to its research objectives, the project also functions as a form of action research: the Mental Health and Welfare Centers not only conduct interviews but also serve as contact points for providing support tailored to each participant’s individual needs. This presentation will outline the study’s design and findings, and will explore the emerging challenges and the potential of community- based support models for people who use drugs in Japan. Banchong Sae-Ung Grassroots Strategies for Tackling Yaba: Lessons from the Community BIOGRAPHY In 2007, the Nong Khaem landfill community became a model area for addressing drug issues. Banchong, known as "Hia Boo," became concerned about drug use in his community. He joined training with the Narcotics Control Board and began engaging with drug users to understand the root causes, environment, and social conditions contributing to addiction. He later founded a voluntary drug rehabilitation center and built a network of community leaders. Working with NGOs, he promoted harm reduction as an alternative to punitive approaches. Although he attended a few harm reduction trainings by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), implementing these practices was difficult. Success required trust and cooperation from all sides: users, the community, local authorities, police, and health providers. Through open dialogue, they reached a shared understanding: to truly address drug problems, the focus must shift from punishment to support and care. This experience taught him a powerful lesson— how to connect with people’s hearts and meet them where they are. Abstract This presentation highlights the vital roles of communities in preventing and responding to Yaba (methamphetamine) use. Local networks —including families, health volunteers, and community leaders—are key to early intervention, reducing stigma, and supporting recovery. The session will share practical examples of community-based initiatives, such as peer support and awareness campaigns, and discuss common challenges like limited resources and coordination gaps. Strengthening community capacity is essential for sustainable prevention and care efforts. Barry Zack What Do Effective Prison Linkage to Care Programs Have in Common BIOGRAPHY Since 1986, Barry has been working with the direct-service community along with conducting research in collaboration with academic, governmental, and prison partners in prison/detention health; he has worked with projects in 15 countries and in 30 U.S. states. Barry’s current efforts are focused on prison/detention linkage and continuity of care. Abstract Chanchai Thongphanit Road to recovery for yaba users BIOGRAPHY Education: 1999 Doctor of Medicine Program (Second-class honours), Faculty of Medicine, Srinakarinviroj University 2010 Diplomate of the Thai Board of Preventive Medicine (Community Mental Health), The Medical Council of Thailand 2022 Cert. in Addiction Family Medicine, The Medical Council of Thailand Research: Effectiveness of IPD program for Alcohol in Thanyarak Khonkaen Hospital, Bulletin of the Department of Medical Services. Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Thanyarak Khonkaen Alcohol Dependence Treatment Program, Bulletin of the Department of Medical Services.vol.38 No.6 November-December 2013 Others Presentation of Aftercare program in continuum of care, 4th International Conference and Exhibition on Addiction Research & Therapy August 3-5, 2015 at Florida, USA. Presentation of Practicum place of Addiction Study, 4th Annual International Consortium University on Drug Demand Reduction. July 21-23, 2019 at Cusco, Peru. Refresher Course: Treatment of Cannabis Addiction, Bulletin of the Department of Medical Services.vol.44 No.1 January- February 2019 Abstract Under the Narcotic Code B.E. 2564 (2021), Recovery Centers are mandated to provide follow-up care, counseling, and facilitate access to social welfare services, as well as temporary accommodation to support reintegration and prevent relapse into drug- related behaviors. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has driven the implementation of Thailand’s Recovery Centers by organizing a training course titled The Universal Recovery Curriculum (URC): The Universal Recovery Curriculum (URC): Recovery Allies from 3–7 February 2025 in Bangkok. This program enhanced the competencies of 32 professionals who will serve as trainers for Recovery Centers nationwide. Thanyarak Khon Kaen Hospital has implemented knowledge gained from this training to strengthen Recovery Centers within its service area. Key initiatives include: 1.Capacity Building (2024–2025): Three training sessions for 139 personnel across the Northeastern region, supplemented by model site visits to reinforce practical application and broaden impact. 2.Khon Kaen Provincial Recovery Center Development: Established on 18 March 2024 as a national model through collaboration between the Ministry of Interior (led by the Khon Kaen Governor) and the Department of Medical Services, the Ministry of Public Health. The center provides transitional care for individuals with complex social circumstances who cannot immediately return home post-treatment. To date, 311 individuals have been admitted: 148 remain in care, while 163 have reintegrated into families and communities; among them, 78 are employed, and 2 are pursuing education. Community feedback highlights improved life skills among patients, reduced violent behavior, and greater community acceptance. Success factors include strong interagency collaboration, support from ONCB, and local community donations. The center continues to evolve, striving to become: “Not just a place of care, but a new opportunity for life— through collaboration across sectors—to build a strong, safe, and inclusive society.” Chawanun Charnsil Optimizing Controlled Medicines Policy: Balancing Access and Safety BIOGRAPHY Prof. Chawanun Charnsil, MD since 1988, is a board-certified psychiatrist and Professor of Psychiatry at Chiang Mai University. He was elected as President of the Psychiatric Association of Thailand for two consecutive terms (2018-2021, 2022-present). He is also President of The Royal College of Psychiatrists of Thailand. Abstract Controlled medicines such as methylphenidate and benzodiazepines are essential tools in psychiatric care, offering significant benefits for individuals with ADHD, anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures. However, their potential for misuse, dependency, and diversion has led to strict regulatory control. In Thailand, this creates a dual challenge: ensuring equitable access to these medications while maintaining strong safeguards against inappropriate use. This presentation explores the key barriers that limit access to controlled medicines— particularly in underserved and rural areas— including complex prescription procedures, limited availability in small healthcare facilities, and persistent stigma. At the same time, concerns about overuse, doctor shopping, and leakage into the black market underscore the importance of robust monitoring and regulation. To address these challenges, the presentation proposes a multi-pronged policy approach. Key recommendations include implementing a national Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), streamlining regulatory processes, enhancing training for healthcare providers on rational prescribing, and launching public education campaigns to reduce stigma. In addition, fostering collaboration between regulators and clinicians can help ensure that policies are grounded in clinical realities and population needs. Achieving the right balance between access and safety is difficult—but possible. With leadership from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), active engagement from stakeholders, and strategic use of digital tools, Thailand can develop a more responsive and responsible system for managing controlled medicines. 12 Cholnapa Anukul is the research director of the Just Society Research Institute (JuSRI) and the secretary-general of the Foundation of Just Society Network (JuSNet), as well as the research fellow of the Human Security and Equity (HuSE). She is interested in social justice, power analysis and bridging science, movement and policy. Her researches include exclusion and inclusive inequality, marginalized people, philosophical concept underpinning policy and social justice index. Recently, she works very closely with HuSE on health equity and social justice research projects. Furthermore, she is member of International Sociological Association (ISA), Japanese Sociological Society (JSS), and the president of the Public Sociological Association of Thailand (PSAT) (2025-2027). Cholnapa Anukul BIOGRAPHY Moderator Darunee Phukao Psycho-social treatment for stimulant users in Thailand. BIOgraphy E ducation Major Degree University of Queensland Addiction Studies Ph.D., 2006 (Australia) (Department of Psychiatry) Dissertation Title: Development and Evaluation of a culturally appropriate treatment for people with alcohol use disorders in Thailand University of South Australia Mental Health Nursing M.N., 2000 Chulalongkorn University Mental Health M.S., 1996 Bangkok, Thailand(Department of Psychiatry) Boromarajonnani College of Nursing, Nursing B.Sc. (Nursing), 1992 Saraburi,Ministry of Public Health Saraburi, Thailand Others A Member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) since OCT 2021,Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), Presented by William Miller & Terri Moyers (Since November 2021) The Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) is an international organization committed to promoting high-quality motivational interviewing (MI) practice and training. Abstract Psycho-social treatment for stimulant users in Thailand has evolved over the past decade toward a more integrative, culturally grounded, and evidence-informed approach. While pharmacological options remain limited, a variety of psychosocial interventions—ranging from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), schema-informed models, to Motivational Interviewing (MI)—have been developed and adapted to reflect the lived realities of Thai service users, many of whom face co-occurring mental health issues and structural vulnerabilities that exacerbate relapse risk. Findings from implementation and scoping studies highlight both strengths and limitations. National evidence from PMNIDAT institute and addiction rehabilitation centers confirms that MI significantly enhances engagement and retention, particularly among ambivalent users. In parallel, Low-Intensity CBT (LICBT) grounded in Beck’s cognitive model is being piloted as a preventive intervention for youth, though a major gap remains in addressing implicit beliefs and trauma-related schemas. Thailand’s long- standing reliance on the Matrix Model, adopted across all levels of care for more than two decades, has created a unified framework of “psycho-social intervention,” yet without systematic fidelity assessment or differentiation by service intensity and therapist competency. In contrast, international practices increasingly employ theoretically grounded cultural adaptation frameworks and emphasize deep cognitive schema work, especially for marginalized groups. Few Thai interventions explicitly incorporate such depth, revealing a critical need for trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches. This presentation argues for a dual- focus innovation: integrating evidence-based techniques with structured therapist development and culturally attuned schema work. Shifting from a compliance-oriented, extrinsically focused behavioral paradigm to a therapeutic model grounded in cognitive-behavioral principles, intrinsic motivation, and person-centered care, while becoming increasingly sensitive to stigma, structural inequalities, and the lived experiences of marginalized groups. Thailand is now at a pivotal point to refine its psychosocial treatment system, making it more scalable, equitable, and effective through context-sensitive implementation research. Diah Setia Utami Experience Of Indonesia in MMT Program: Regulation to Prevent Misuse BIOgraphy Dr. Diah was born in Jakarta in 1958 and graduated as general practitioner from Medical Faculty, University of Indonesia in 1984, Graduated from Training of Psychiatrist in Medical Faculty in 1994, University of Indonesia. She also graduated from Magister of Hospital Administration in 2001 and continue with PhD. program from Faculty of public health University of Indonesia graduated in 2016. She has experienced in working both in Ministry of Health and National Narcotics Board Republic of Indonesia. She had experienced in some organization related with her profession in drug addiction and position as a government official Abstract To prevent misuse in the provision of MMT, the Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia together with experts in the field of addiction have prepared guidelines and regulations on the provision of methadone to prevent misuse. Technical monitoring is also carried out by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency to determine the dosage and use according to the guidelines. Although there are no exact figures for methadone misuse, there are indications of this reported by officers at MMT. Since the beginning of 2010, methamphetamine users have increased and shifted the existence of MMT programs, especially services in primary health care. However, the misuse of methadone remains a concern for the Ministry of Health. Indonesia has been started the methadone maintenance treatment (MMT)since 2002, at that time heroin use in Indonesia became a serious problem and had a major negative impact, one of which was HIV transmission. In 1997 a survey was conducted through HIV testing and obtained a figure of 17.9% positive and in 1999 and there was an increase to 19.2% among injection drug users. Based on this survey, The Ministry of Health and WHO Indonesia’s office decided to provide MMT program We started MMT in Jakarta (The Drug Dependence Hospital) and Bali (Sanglah General Hospital). In the implementation of MMT, research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of MMT which was supported by WHO Dohoon Kwon Gambling disorder in Stimulant abusers in Korea BIOgraphy Dr. Dohoon Kwon graduated from Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, completed his psychiatry residency at the university hospital, and obtained his Ph.D. in medicine from the same graduate school. He served for ten years as the Chief of Medical Affairs and Director of the Addiction Treatment Center at the National Bugok Hospital, during which time he became the first in Korea to treat over 1,000 patients with drug addiction. He has also published more than ten SCI- indexed papers on this subject. He is the immediate past president of the Korean Academy of Addiction Psychiatry and is currently practicing at Daedong Hospital in Daegu, where he treats both general psychiatric patients and individuals with substance use disorders through inpatient and outpatient services. In response to the recent surge in drug addiction cases, he is currently leading four government-funded research projects. With his active involvement in clinical practice, research, and education for various professional groups, he is considered one of the few leading experts on drug addiction in South Korea Abstract In Korea, perceptions of drug addiction have undergone significant changes over the past decade. Previously, drug addiction was largely associated with men in their 40s and 50s, who mainly used methamphetamine. However, recent clinical observations indicate that at least half of patients presenting with substance use issues are now under the age of 30, and the range of substances and modes of use has become increasingly diverse. This trend is corroborated by recent national surveys, which show a notable increase in substance use among younger populations, particularly adolescents, with a rise in cases related to both therapeutic and illicit drugs. The international legalization of marijuana appears to have contributed to a reduction in the perceived emotional barriers to drug use. Although there are widespread awareness of the risks, portrayals of drug use in popular media, such as Netflix, often feature individuals who seem to lead successful lives despite their substance use. This disconnect between reality and media representation may be fueling curiosity and experimentation among youth. Furthermore, the rapid expansion of capitalism in Korea has led to a widening gap between the wealthy and the poor, fostering a culture where financial success is highly prioritized. For younger generations facing limited opportunities for social mobility, speculative activities such as stock trading, cryptocurrency investment, and online gambling—including internet baccarat—have become prevalent as perceived shortcuts to wealth. These behaviors align with impulsive tendencies observed in Korean society and are spreading at a remarkable rate. Neurobiological research has shown that nonspecific dopamine agonists, such as d-amphetamine, can selectively enhance motivation to gamble in individuals with pathological gambling behaviors. This finding suggests that gambling and psychostimulant use share common neurochemical substrates, with dopamine activation playing a central role in reinforcing both behaviors. Thus, as with psychostimulant addiction, the activation of specific dopaminergic pathways may directly mediate the reinforcement processes underlying pathological gambling (Neuropsychopharmacology, 2007, 32:1678–1686). In summary, Korea is witnessing a shift in the demographic and behavioral patterns of substance use, with increasing diversity in substances, younger affected populations, and a complex interplay of socioeconomic and neurobiological factors driving these changes. Dominic Fernandez Supporting Persons-in Recovery from Drugs and their Families in Singapore BIOgraphy Trained as a Civil and Environmental Engineer, Dominic opted to rebuild lives as opposed to skyscrapers. He has over 20 years of experience in the Corrections field, holding positions in Prison Operations, Strategic Planning & International Affairs, Community Corrections, Prison Programmes and Technology & Digitalisation with the Singapore Prison Service. Drawing from his vast experience, Dominic has joined the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association to oversee the Dominic has a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) with the Nanyang Technological University and a Masters in Organisational Leadership with Monash University. NGO’s Corporate and International Advocacy work. Abstract This sharing provides an overview of the post-release support for persons-in-recovery (PIRs) from drugs (not limited to synthetic drugs) and their families, by the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA) as well as the wider community in Singapore. SANA provides case management and counselling to PIRs and operates three walk-in centres that support PIRs and their families through support groups, psychotherapy, financial assistance, tattoo removal as well as other social activities. The presentation will highlight the Yellow Ribbon Community Project (YRCP) which was initiated in 2010 and managed by SANA. YRCP involves more than 1,000 volunteers in every district across Singapore supporting families of incarcerated persons (both drugs and penal offenders). Duangdao Sriyakun โครงการครูนางฟ าเสริมศักยภาพ ครูเพื อดูแลสุขภาพจิตนักเรียน อย่างยั งยืน BIOgraphy แพทย์หญิงดวงดาว ศรียากูล แพทย์เวชศาสตร์ ครอบครัว รอง ผอ.ด้านระบบบริการปฐมภูมิ รพ.เพชรบูรณ์ มีความเชี ยวชาญการพัฒนาระบบปฐมภูมิ ยาเสพติด และผู้สูงอายุ มีผลงานวิจัยและรางวัลระดับ ชาติเกี ยวกับงานดูแลกลุ่มเปราะบาง การป องกันและการ ดูแลบําบัดเยาวชนผู้ใช้สารเสพติดหลายรายการ Abstract ด้วยการเสริมสร้างศักยภาพครูในระบบดูแลช่วยเหลือ นักเรียนด้วยการนําหลักจิตวิทยาสังคมมาใช้ในโรงเรียน โดยมุ่งแก้ไขป ญหาความเปราะบางในเยาวชนที มีแนวโน้ม เพิ มมากขึ น ทั งด้านสุขภาพจิตและพฤติกรรมเสี ยงต่างๆ เช่น การใช้สารเสพติด, ความก้าวร้าว, การทําร้ายตัวเอง และการหลุดออกจากระบบการศึกษาจุดเริ มต้นการ พัฒนามาจากการทํางานร่วมกันของโรงพยาบาล เพชรบูรณ์กับโรงเรียนในเครือข่าย ที พบว่า 9.82% ของ นักเรียนในเขตที ดูแลมีภาวะเสี ยงสูงและเคยทําร้ายตัวเอง จึงได้ออกแบบกระบวนการอย่างครบวงจร เริ มจากการ อบรมให้ครูสามารถใช้เทคนิคการทําความเข้าใจอย่างลึก ซึ ง เพิ มทักษะการสร้างแรงจูงใจและการปรับความคิด- อารมณ์ด้วย Low-intensity CBT ด้วยเครื องมือ สนับสนุนเช่น ใบงานสุขภาพใจ, การ์ดสะท้อนอารมณ์ , คู่มือครู และบันทึกเส้นทางเดินใจ เป นต้น ในป 67-68 ด้วยการบริหารของสถาบันพัฒนาระบบบริการสุขภาพ องค์รวม มูลนิธิสาธารณสุขแห่งชาติ ได้ขยายไปใน โรงเรียนกว่า 150 แห่งสามารถลดป ญหานักเรียนกลุ่ม เสี ยงได้อย่างมีนัยสําคัญ ดังเช่น โรงเรียนเทศบาล 3 (ชาญวิทยา)ลดกลุ่มเปราะบางจาก 30.48% เหลือ 7.32% ใน 3 เดือน และลดนักเรียนเสี ยงสูงจาก 13.41% เหลือ 2.44%, โรงเรียนบ้านสบเต๊ยะ ลดกลุ่มเปราะบาง ลง 5 เท่า ภายใน 1 ภาคเรียน บทสรุปโครงการยังช่วย สร้างระบบดูแลช่วยเหลือนักเรียนที ยั งยืนด้วยการ "ปรับ วิธีการทํางานโดยไม่เพิ มภาระครู" การเสริมศักยภาพครู ด้วยเครื องมือจิตวิทยาเชิงปฏิบัติ คือกุญแจสําคัญใน การสร้างเยาวชนให้มีคุณภาพชีวิตดี สุขภาพใจแข็งแรง Eleanor J. Ong Community Response for Methamphetamine Harm Reduction Services: Lessons from Singapore BIOgraphy Eleanor is a compassionate psychotherapist and researcher committed to supporting marginalized communities and advancing equity in mental health care. She works closely with individuals navigating trauma, addiction, and identity-related challenges, with a particular focus on families affected by addiction and the LGBTQ community. Her clinical experiences deeply informs her research interests, driving her to bridge the gap between practice-based knowledge and academic research. A recipient of the NUS Research Scholarship, Eleanor’s doctoral work explores the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and substance use, rooted in her long-standing advocacy for individuals often excluded from systems of care. She is passionate about addressing the structural barriers marginalized people face in accessing healthcare, social support, and opportunities for well-being. Eleanor also serves as Director of The Greenhouse Community Services, where she leads initiatives to transform addiction treatment in Singapore and the region through trauma- informed, evidence-based, and inclusive approaches. She regularly contributes to international dialogues on drug policy and LGBTQ mental health, advocating for humane, community-centered responses. Eleanor values collaboration and believes in the power of collective effort to reimagine systems. She looks forward to connecting with others equally dedicated to building a future where care, dignity, and equity are extended to all. Abstract In Singapore, drug policy remains one of the most punitive in the region, with harm prevention prioritized over harm reduction. This presents unique challenges for service providers supporting people who use drugs, particularly marginalized groups such as LGBTQ individuals and trauma survivors. This presentation shares insights from The Greenhouse Community Services, a nonprofit organization offering trauma-informed, evidence-based recovery support for individuals impacted by addiction. Grounded in the principle of “Nothing about us, without us,” The Greenhouse integrates peer-led initiatives, individual counselling, community- based programs, and holistic care models that address biological, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. Despite operating in a restrictive policy environment, The Greenhouse has demonstrated how person- centered, aftercare-focused services can improve health outcomes, reduce stigma, and promote social reintegration. This session highlights strategies for overcoming legal, funding, and societal barriers in harm reduction programming, and how collaborative partnerships with government and civil society can expand community-based support systems. It also explores new directions, including therapeutic art and horticulture programs aimed at fostering resilience, self- efficacy, and sustainable recovery. Jansuda Tuntivichyavanich Exploring the Future of Research Funding for Drug- Related Issues in Thailand BIOgraphy Ms. Jansuda Tuntivichyavanich is the Director of Strategy and Administration Division,Drug Demand Reduction Bureau , Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Ministry of Justice, Thailand. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Prince of Songkla University and a Master’s degree in Communication Arts from Chulalongkorn University. With over 24 years of experience in drug demand reduction at ONCB, she currently leads the formulation of strategic policies and integrated budgeting for national anti-drug efforts. She has been an active member of the working group responsible for developing the National Policy and Master Plan on Drug Prevention and Suppres