📋 Tender Overview
As part of the implementation of the MIRA Program, the National Mental Health Program 2018-2028, the Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) organized the 2nd National Conference on the Management of Non-Chemical Addictions entitled "With Knowledge to Moderation", which takes place on the 20th and 21st November 2023, in the Congress Center in Brdo pri Kranje.
Non-chemical addictions represent those forms of addiction that do not arise due to the introduction of psychoactive substances into the body, but are caused by various behaviors. More and more researchers, experts, parents, relatives and other stakeholders are pointing out the increase in various forms of excessive behavior, which can lead to addiction and thus have a significant impact on the mental and physical health of the population. The contents of this conference focus mainly on strengthening the knowledge and competences of experts who are faced with non-chemical addictions in their work. Here, the emphasis is also on connecting various stakeholders, exchanging good practices, knowledge and experience, and finding synergies for successfully managing challenges in the field of non-chemical addiction in Slovenia.
"In the Ministry, we have been paying a lot of attention to the field of non-chemical addictions in the last period, because according to the data and trends from research and the information we receive from experts in the field, the situation in this area is alarming", she warned about the situation in the field of non-chemical addictions Vesna Marinko, Director General of the Public Health Directorate.
The latest data from national surveys show that the prevalence of non-chemical harmful behaviors related to the problematic use of the Internet, social networks, playing online video games and online gambling has been increasing over the years. "The situation with young people, children and adolescents is particularly worrying, where about a tenth of them report problematic use and signs of addiction both when using online social media and when playing online games," Marinkova emphasized and continued: "At the ministry, we want this to address the issue comprehensively and in a balanced way, both with suitable political and strategic measures and with concrete, scientifically based activities. In this way, we want to prevent the harmful consequences of non-chemical addiction and ensure effective treatment for those who encounter the negative consequences of this type of harmful behavior".
The field of non-chemical addictions is included as an important content in two national strategic documents. This issue is discussed in the framework of the National Program in the field of illegal drugs for the period 2023-2030 and also in the framework of the National Program for Mental Health MIRA 2018-2028. In the framework of both, activities are planned for the period up to 2030.
"Let me specifically mention three medical programs in the field of non-chemical and digital addictions that work in this area. Within the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Addiction in Nova Gorica, a dispensary has been successfully operating for some time to help young people and the elderly who are facing these problems. This year, however, two new programs were established within the framework of the Regulation on Compulsory Health Insurance Service Programs: a unit for the treatment of non-chemical and digital addictions operates for children and adolescents at the Rakitna Youth Climate Spa, and a department for adults at the Idrija Psychiatric Hospital. Both have successfully started their operation. Thus, 26 adolescents and seven adults are already actively involved in the mentioned addiction treatment programs".
The Ministry of Health co-finances various programs of non-governmental organizations in the field of awareness-raising and concrete support and treatment of problematic use of digital technologies. "Thus, we want to inform the public about this issue and at the same time bring quality aid programs closer to the widest possible circle of people who need help," said Marinkova.
With the aim of tracking high-quality activities based on scientific knowledge, the ministry also supported a targeted research project (CRP) in the field of non-chemical addiction, which is in the initial phase of implementation. "But our active cooperation at the international level is also key, where we are included in the expert group for non-chemical addictions at the Council of Europe within the Pompidou Group and in European projects in which 10 European countries participate", said Vesna Marinko.
The investment project of the Ministry of Health within the framework of the Recovery and Resilience Plan "Development of programs for the mental health of children, adolescents and young adults" for the period up to 2026 will specifically address the upgrading of the competences of professionals employed in healthcare for better early identification and treatment of non-chemical addictions in the child population , adolescents and young adults.
"With activities such as today's conference, we want to co-create the conditions for cooperation, for the exchange of information and for the continuous scientific development of this field. We want to ensure the conditions for the implementation of proven effective preventive and all other programs, both in health, education and social - protection system. Our goal is to establish effective coordination and integration of all stakeholders in the field of non-chemical addiction and create conditions for the development of all forms of effective prevention and treatment of harmful behaviors and addiction", Vesna Marinko addressed those present.
