Challenges facing East-West co-operation in Europe in the field of drug demand reduction staff training

The opening of the iron curtain after the fall of Communism in Central and Eastern Europe did not only provide people with a possibility for travelling abroad, but it also led to a massive increase in problems 'imported' from West to East related to the new free market economy. Problems related to organized crime, such as drug dealing, drug use and prostitution increased dramatically. Professionals working in the field of addiction were mainly concerned with alcoholism. During the Communist era social problems were officially non-existent and therefore not seen as a cause of addiction. Addiction was seen as purely medical or psychiatric. The new drugs, and the new groups of young people becoming rapidly involved in drug use and drug dealing represent therefore a major challenge not only to the adminstrative systems and institutions but also to all professionals involved. This article points to some of the problems related to the implementation of training programmes and other support projects offered by international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and independent experts in the field of drug demand reduction.