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Institute for Rational Addiction Policies

TT RPZ (TTfRAP)

Jsme multidisciplinární sdružení nezávislých a významných/známých odborníků, kteří se věnují výzkumu a vzdělávání v oblasti závislostí ze všech úhlů pohledu: veřejného i individuálního zdraví, legislativy, bezpečnostních výzev, stínové ekonomiky, tržních modelací, daňových, ekonomických i dalších dopadů závislostní problematiky na veřejné rozpočty, oblast edukace, prevence a v neposlední řadě oblasti sociální, sociologické a politologické, a to především v souvislosti s návykovými látkami (alkohol, tabák, farmaceutika, nelegální psychotropní látky) a hazardním hraním.

Lobbying Activity

Response to A comprehensive approach to mental health

15 Feb 2023

The Institute for Rational Addiction Policies (IRAP) welcomes the upcoming European initiative on mental health and in particular its objective to support and improving access to treatment and care of mental health problems. Mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder can in many cases lead to substance use disorders while, conversely, the use of substances can worsen these mental health conditions. Given their intertwined nature, any plan developed for the improvement of mental health of the EU citizens, must therefore also focus on the field of addictions. It is observed that mental illnesses and addictions frequently occur together. The high prevalence of comorbidity between addictions and mental illnesses makes it necessary to address both phenomena together. This holistic approach has been already successfully implemented in some EU member states. For instance, the Czech National Action Plan for Mental Health 2020-2030 (reference 1) sets a 2030 target which foster a multidisciplinary approach. Based on this plan, the mental health care community should operate in multidisciplinary teams at its core, providing treatment not only for severely mentally-ill, but also for other target groups, including persons with addictive disorder. Additionally, there is a growing body of scientific evidence that suggests that the harm-reduction approach to addictions plays a significant role in preventing addiction-related deaths and offers access to treatment. This is crucial, considering that substance use disorder poses an increased risk of death and of significantly reduced life expectancy (reference 2). Should a comprehensive strategy on mental health be successfuly prepared, it is of utmost importance that the European Commission implements a holistic approach that takes into account the field of addictions and based on scientific data apply harm reduction approach wherever reasonable. References: 1 Národní akční plán pro duševní zdraví, NAPDZ (National Action Plan for Mental Health) 2020-2030, Government of the Czech Republic, Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, January 2020, https://www.reformapsychiatrie.cz/reforma/narodni-akcni-plan-pro-dusevni-zdravi-napdz 2 Studie: Lidé se závislostí na návykových látkách mají výrazně horší prognózu po rozvoji řady fyzických onemocnění (Study: people with substance dependence have significantly worse prognosis after developing a range of physical illnesses), Czech National Institute of Mental Health, press release published on 08.11.2022, https://www.nudz.cz/pro-media/tiskove-zpravy/studie-lide-se-zavislosti-na-navykovych-latkach-maji-vyrazne-horsi-prognozu-po-rozvoji-rady-fyzickych-onemocneni
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