Building National Capacity for Drug Use Disorder Treatment: UNODC TreatNet Training Continues

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in close collaboration with the Iranian Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ) and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME), continues to support the strengthening of evidence-based drug treatment services in the Islamic Republic of Iran. As part of these ongoing efforts, a three-day training workshop on “Assessment and Elements of Psychological Treatment for Drug Use Disorders” was held in Tehran from 28 to 30 December 2025, using the UNODC TreatNet Training Package. The workshop was implemented as part of a broader series of capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing the competencies of drug use disorder treatment professionals through the systematic application of the TreatNet framework.

The workshop brought together psychologists, counsellors, and treatment professionals from national institutions, including Prisons Organization and MoHME-affiliated services and other relevant organizations involved in treatment, and social support. The training was delivered using the UNODC TreatNet package, which provides standardized, evidence-based guidance for the assessment and treatment of drug use disorders.

The three-day agenda was designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills development. Participants were introduced to the TreatNet framework and its application in the treatment of drug and alcohol use disorders. Particular emphasis was placed on the logic of screening and the use of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), including brief interventions and their role in early detection and timely referral. Core principles of motivational interviewing were introduced and explored, with a strong focus on their practical application in clinical and counselling settings to enhance client engagement and treatment adherence. Finally, the treatment planning and prioritization, translating assessment results into structured and individualized treatment plans was covered by the training. Participants further explored strategies for putting treatment planning into practice and for supporting patients through the development of new coping and life skills. 

This training workshop reflects UNODC and its national counterparts’ efforts in combining international expertise with local experience and institutional knowledge. UNODC remains committed to supporting Iran’s efforts to respond to drug use disorders through integrated, person-centred, and scientifically grounded interventions. Such capacity-building initiatives play a critical role in ensuring that treatment systems are better prepared to meet the needs of individuals and communities affected by drug use disorders, while advancing public health and social well-being. This workshop was implemented with the funding received from the Kingdom of Netherlands.