Training course on TREATNET Family Intervention for adolescents with substance use disorder

In 3 days from April 20-22, 2023, the Vietnam-International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) – Hanoi Medical University collaborated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Center for Supporting Community Development Initiatives of Hanoi (SCDI – Hanoi) to launch the training course on TREATNET Family Intervention (TFI) for adolescents with substance use disorder.

The training course was joined by lecturers from V-ITTC – HMU and more than 20 trainees from the National Children’s Hospital, SCDI – Hanoi, and community-based organizations providing addiction treatment counseling services in Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City. When participating in the training course, all trainees complete the pre- and post-assessment tests at the beginning and the end of the course so that the organizers can evaluate the changes and improvements in knowledge and skills.

• During the training course, the lecturers presented the following main topics:
  • Introduction to the Law on Drug Prevention and Control and the future plan to implement the family-based therapy in treatment for youths with substance use disorders in real-life settings
  • Typical characteristis of a Vietnamese family;
  • Overview of family therapy;
  • Adverse effects of drugs and substances on the human brain and body;
  • Basic counseling skills in working with clients;
  • Five stages in TFI;
  • Practicum of counseling skills in the five stages of TFI.

Besides providing theoretical knowledge on addiction treatment counseling, the training course allowed trainees to role-play and practice counseling skills in a session between families and adolescents with substance use disorder, share the difficulties and advantages while working directly with families and clients and discuss solutions.