Substitution treatment - Policy makers This one-day seminar helps policy makers to gain insight into the pros and cons of substitution treatment.

Target group:	Policymakers
Duration:	one day
Trainers:	Ernst Buning, psychologist and founder of Euro-Methwork (an European network on substitution treatment)
Method:	the training is a combination of knowledge transfer, exchange of experience and gaining insight into one's own attitude The training follows the booklet for policymakers written by Euro-Methwork

Contents:
Key information about addiction and substitution treatment is provided. This is done in such a way that it appeals to policymakers with a busy agenda and for whom the drug & Aids issue is just one of their responsibilities.
The information transfer treats the following:

• background information about addiction
• background information about substitution treatment:
  • which substances can be used and for whom?
  • how does ST work in practice?
  • how to reach an optimal quality?
  • experience in various parts of the world
  • its (cost) effectiveness

After the knowledge transfer, an animated debate takes place with and between the participants. Items for discussion are:

1. The health and social costs of drug dependence to society
2. How to manage resistance towards substitution treatment and how to 'sell' this concept

At the end of the seminar, participants receive a CD-ROM with background information.