Photo (from left to right): Mr. Nguyen Van Lap – Director of the Hanoi Sub-Department of Social Evils Prevention and Dr. Le Minh Giang, Dean of School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Center for Training and Research on Subsance abuse-HIV Hanoi Medical University.

The lecturers consist of experts in the field of addiction treatment from the Hanoi Sub-Department of Social Evils Prevention, the Hanoi CDC, and the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV, Hanoi Medical University. During the three days of training, the lecturers shared in-depth knowledge on related topics, including: regulations related to drug prevention, common drugs in adolescents, adolescent brain development, UNFT-based treatment family intervention with adolescents experiencing substance use issues (UNFT; United Nations family-based treatment for youths with drug use disorders), and lessons learned from piloting family therapy interventions for adolescents with substance abuse problems in Vietnam.

         
Photo: Trainees listened to lectures and participated in role-playing activities

In addition to theory, the training course also organized role-playing activities to help trainees practice applying the UNFT family therapy method to solve real-life situations, such as conflicts between parents and children related to substance use. The activities encouraged trainees to share their experiences working with families, recognize positive aspects in family relationships, and discuss common challenges in family therapy. Trainees completed pre- and post-training assessment tests to evaluate changes in knowledge related to family therapy in rehabilitation treatment for adolescents with substance use disorders.

Photo: Trainees discussed in groups about situations encountered in family therapy intervention

The current training course equipped trainees with the necessary knowledge and skills to apply the UNFT-based family therapy method in their work supporting adolescents who use substances. The training course provided participants with an updated understanding of family therapy concepts and principles, hands-on practice for each stage of family therapy intervention, and insights into tackling challenges when working with families of adolescents using substances. These essential skills empower rehabilitation center staff to better address adolescent substance use while fostering healthy, sustainable family relationships.

Photo (left to right): Dr. Nguyen Thanh Cuong, Vietnam UNODC Program Officer, and Dr. Le Minh Giang, Dean of School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University

The two-day training introduced participants to the “Strong Families” program, an evidence-based initiative designed to enhance family skills for parents and children aged 8-16 as a means of preventing drug abuse. Tailored to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills, the training prepares them to become future facilitators of the program. Expert instructors included Ms. Watjana Arunrangsi from UNODC Thailand, Ms. Shella Marquez from UNODC Philippines, and Ms. Lucky Pramitasari from UNODC Indonesia.

The “Strong Families” training offers trainees a comprehensive, learning experience with in-depth guidance on implementing the program in community settings. Through interactive sessions, trainees receive an overview of “Strong Families,” along with structured preparation modules for parents, children, and family groups. Each participant is provided with specialized training materials, ensuring they acquire the knowledge and skills needed to support parents and children in developing vital family skills. The program emphasizes positive communication, strategies for children to understand stress as a natural part of life, and ways to create a safe space for children to discuss their challenges with their parents. In addition to specialized knowledge, trainees engage in role-playing, interactive exercises, and family-oriented games, which foster bonding and build healthy, trust-based relationships within the family.

Photo: Participants engaging in lectures, group discussions, role-playing, and activities from the “Strong Families” program

The “Strong Families” training was a resounding success, leaving participants with valuable knowledge and positive impressions. In the coming months, trained facilitators and prevention staff will apply these skills and insights to support families in their communities, contributing to strong, positive family environments that encourage open communication and stronger connections among members.

Photos (from left to right): Tran Van Dat, PhD, Director of the Political Education and Student Affairs Department, Ministry of Education and Training; Nguyen Cuu Duc, PhD, Deputy Director General of the Department of Science, Education, Culture and Social Affairs, Office of the Government of Vietnam; and Le Minh Giang, MD, PhD, Dean of School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University

Under the instruction of a team of trainers from the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP), trainees were equipped with both foundational and advanced knowledge in drug use prevention. Topics covered included physiology, pharmacology, prevention work and science, behavior theory, and evidence-based interventions in the substance use prevention field.

Photo: Trainees engaged in lectures, group discussions, sharing professional experiences, and team-building activities.

The course combined theoretical knowledge with group-based practical exercises, allowing trainees to exchange real-world experiences with experts. Capacity-building training programs related to substance abuse prevention in Vietnam are still relatively new and currently face many challenges due to a lack of human resources in this field. This training session lays the foundation for providing knowledge to the team of trainers, covering topics such as prevention, the physiology and pharmacology of psychoactive substances, intervention theories and policies, international prevention standards, and the training requirements for experts, along with a professional code of ethics.

Photo: Trainers from the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP) – Dr. Maria Corazon Dumlao (left) and Ms. Susan Maua (right)

The training concluded successfully, with active participation from the trainees. In the coming period, these core trainers will play a key role in implementing the knowledge they acquired at their institutions and schools.

Photos: Members of the organizing committee with trainees

Over the course of three days, the trainees shared the advantages and challenges of implementing the model and practiced motivational interviewing. During the training, they also participated in group discussions, sharing real-life experiences from working with people who use drugs (PWUD). Through the dedicated guidance of the V-ITTC instructors, the trainees gained valuable methods for addressing the challenges they face in supporting individuals with substance use issues.

The training provided trainees with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of counseling for individuals with substance use disorders. The content covered basic counseling skills, methods for conducting a motivational interview, identifying stages of behavior change in substance users, and handling difficult situations. Notably, the trainees had the opportunity to practice motivational interviewing, applying the newly learned skills directly during the training sessions.

The training is a necessary preparatory step for the implementation of a pilot model of counseling, support, care, treatment, and drug addiction recovery in the community. This model aims to provide comprehensive counseling and support services for individuals with substance use disorders. It will not only focus on medical treatment but also integrate social services to better meet the diverse needs of PWUD.

After the training, the V-ITTC team will directly visit the selected areas to provide technical support to the trainees in their efforts to engage with and conduct motivational interviews with individuals who use drugs in the community. This program is being implemented by V-ITTC to help PWUD improve their health and raise awareness about available medical services, including insurance, legal support, and general healthcare. Preliminary results will shed light on the effectiveness of motivational interviewing and case management methods, serving as evidence for broader implementation in the future.

The training was led by experts with extensive experience in substance abuse treatment, including professionals from the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV, the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, and the Hanoi Sub-department of Social Vices Prevention and Combat. The curriculum focused on equipping leaders with essential basic skills, ranging from the operational methods of the consulting points and the management mechanisms to the coordination and transfer of information, as well as the skills in counseling, supporting, caring for, and treating people who use drugs. During the training session, Dr. Han Dinh Hoe, PhD., a lecturer from the Hanoi Medical University and representative of the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC), shared his knowledge and instructed participants on effective communication, observation, questioning, listening, and client engagement skills.

In addition to acquiring knowledge from the lectures, trainees also engage in group practice sessions, have their questions answered, participate in discussions, and listen to the real-life experiences shared by both instructors and fellow trainees.

The training session was successful with active participation from officials in the fields of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, Public Security, and Healthcare. In the coming months, trainees will be part of the healthcare team directly applying the knowledge they have learned, conducting activities at the consulting points to care for and support clients, and treat drug addiction within the community.

The CME course on Methadone maintainace treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (A Basic course for physicians) engaged the participation of 42 doctors from various provinces including Hanoi, Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh City, Tra Vinh, Binh Thuan, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Tuyen Quang, Tien Giang, and Nghe An.

The CME course on Substance addiction diagnosis was attended by 22 physicians from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Thuan, Tien Giang, and Nghe An.

The instructors participating in the training course included experts with years of experience in the field of substance addiction treatment from the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV, Hanoi Center for Disease Control, Dong Da methadone treatment facility, and VAAC -Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control – Ministry of Health.

The two CME courses provided trainees with a wealth of knowledge, including insights into addiction mechanisms, methadone treatment, identifying drug addiction status, and more. Additionally, within the curriculum, participants engaged in hands-on activities with patients, evaluating them and determining addiction status, documenting medical records, and completing various forms. The instructional team fostered a positive learning environment, attracting active participation through a combination of classroom theory and practical application with patients. Furthermore, the training process facilitated exchanges between instructors and trainees, addressing queries and challenges in their work, and sharing practical experiences in dealing with patients with a history of addiction.

At the conclusion of the two training courses, participants underwent a final course assessment and completed practical exercises following the training. The outcome was that all trainees successfully completed the final knowledge assessment, with 100% of participants from both classes receiving CME certification.

Members of the Organizing Committee and Instructors were from  the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV, Hanoi Center for Disease Control, Dong Da methadone treatment facility, and VAAC -Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control – Ministry of Health.

The training course, under the guidance and instruction of the teaching team from V-ITTC and the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Department, has helped trainees acquire both basic and in-depth knowledge in the field of methadone take-home. This includes the medication dispensing process, monitoring and management of methadone usage at home, and handling potential situations that may arise during medication dispensing and management.

In addition to the knowledge gained from lectures, trainees were divided into practical groups, where they exchanged and listened to practical experiences shared by facilities that have implemented the program. Healthcare professionals emphasized positive results for patients, as not having to visit healthcare facilities daily has reduced travel time and expenses, providing favorable conditions for patients to access treatment while maintaining their work and daily life, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients.

However, there are still limitations and challenges in terms of human resources for implementing and sustaining the program. Therefore, this training session serves as a foundation to build a high-quality workforce to support the program.

The training session took place successfully with enthusiastic participation from officials representing various provinces. In the coming time, these officials will constitute the healthcare team directly responsible for implementing the methadone take-home program at Methadone facilities.

The training course under the guidance and teaching of the faculty team from V-ITTC has helped the trainees gain in-depth knowledge in counseling for drug addiction treatment. This included fundamental counseling knowledge and skills, recognizing stages of behavioral change, as well as guidance on working with diverse clients. Additionally, throughout the learning process, the trainees had the opportunity to practice motivational interviewing in groups, share and exchange practical experiences, discuss difficulties and challenges, and navigate unfavorable situations they might encounter. At the end of the training session, the trainees took a final assessment to receive a certification issued by
Hanoi Medical University.

In the near future, trainees will have the opportunity to work directly with their clients. The V-ITTC faculty team will always be there to support and assist them if necessary.

The training course was joined by lecturers from V-ITTC – HMU and DSEP. 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.

Throughout the training course, the lecturers presented the following main topics:

• The current Law on Drug Prevention and Control in Vietnam
• Typical characteristics 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 and families in the five stages of TFI and Practicum.

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.

During the training week, the group of lecturers presented a general overview of treatments for substance use disorders, the current state of the implementation of methadone maintenance treatment in Vietnam, methadone maintenance treatment, connections between methadone treatment facilities and other social support services, and shared experiences of receiving patients.

During the training course, the trainers and trainees had a chance to share their experiences working with patients with special needs and discuss solutions to deal with adverse events. At the beginning and end of the training course, the participants completed the pre-test and post-test assessments for the organizers to evaluate the change.