The training program was aimed at advancing the knowledge, skills and competence of anti-drug workers and enhancing communication and cooperation amongst government departments, drug treatment agencies and related organizations involved in anti-drug work.

The program, which comprised a seminar and two workshops, was conducted by two experts from Daytop International, Inc. USA, an internationally recognized organization specializing in substance abuse recovery.

The program, jointly organized by the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau and the Social Welfare Department, formed part of the follow-up actions taken by the Narcotics Division to implement the recommendations of the Task Force on Psychotropic Substance Abuse in tackling the problem of psychotropic substance abuse.

In its report published in June 2002, the Task Force recommended that integrated training on the latest substance abuse trend and treatment approaches should be provided to social workers, peer counselors, health-care professionals and other front-line workers of the treatment agencies on a regular basis.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2002)