Russia's top experts unite to combat addiction at landmark forum

The fifth anniversary All-Russian Interdisciplinary Scientific and Practical Forum, Current Issues in Addictology, took place on May 14 and 15 in Nizhny Novgorod. Organised at the Privolzhsky Research Medical University, the event brought together specialists from across Russia to tackle addiction challenges and share effective prevention strategies. The forum was co-hosted by the Drug Control Directorate of the Russian Interior Ministry’s regional branch, alongside other agencies. Police Colonel Roman Orekhov, Deputy Head of the Directorate, stressed the need for a coordinated approach in addressing addiction. His remarks set the tone for discussions on trends among young people and risk factors linked to drug use.

Roman Stronhin, Chairman of the Council of Rectors for the Volga Federal District and Nizhny Novgorod Region, welcomed attendees. Sergei Ostroumov, a member of the Public Council under the regional Interior Ministry, also spoke. Ivan Karpukhin, representing the Russian Ministry of Health’s psychiatry department, led the official opening. Experts from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, and other regions presented research on prevention methods and regional best practices. The sessions covered topics like socially harmful behaviours and evidence-based strategies to combat addiction. Both invited professionals and students from the host university actively contributed to the discussions.

The forum highlighted ongoing efforts to address addiction through research, policy, and education. Participants exchanged practical solutions and research findings, aiming to strengthen prevention work across Russian regions. The event marked five years of interdisciplinary collaboration in this field.