UTC-2 Training for Addiction Treatment Professionals of South Punjab, Pakistan.

“Training of Addiction Professionals for Pakistan Addiction Treatment Practitioners”

February 22-25, 2022 (8 am to 6pm)

Multan, Islamic Republic of Pakistan

1. Description:
   1. Training Name:    Training of Addiction Professionals for Pakistan
   2. Locations (Country & Regions) : Multan, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
   3. Stakeholder Name (Implementing Agency)        :DAP  & Nishan Rehab Pakistan
   4. Start and end date of the Training                      : February 22-25, 2022
   5. Timing                                                                  : 8 am to 6 pm

2. Introduction:

Nishan Rehab organized Training for Pakistan addiction treatment practitioners from February 22-25, 2022 at Nishan Rehab in Multan, Pakistan. Training Curricula on “Treatment for Substance Use Disorders-The Continuum of Care for addiction Professionals” was covered over a period of 4 days. Nishan Rehab borne all the training expenses and participants were not charged any fee except two participants.

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3. Objectives of the Training Programme:

The objectives of 4 days training were:

• To train the participants on UTC 2 using interactive methodology
• To elaborate and explain the given information and concepts on slides.
• To learn and promote the Evidence Based Practices in the country.
• To train the participants on up to date knowledge so they can implement the new learning in their practice.

The Four-days training initiative covered the following UTC:

• Treatment for Substance Use Disorders-The Continuum of Care for addiction Professionals

4. Description of the Training:

The programme was conducted as per schedule following the UTC Master Agenda. This four days training was facilitated by Colombo Plan national trainer; Dr. Talat Habib. Day one started with ceremonial trainer’s welcome, registration and pre-testing of content module. Curriculum I was completed on day four followed by post-testing. Trainer developed a good rapport with the participants. There were 18 participants who initially registered for the training but three participants could not attend training because of their personal reasons. Participants were  disciplined and spoke elegantly keeping the respect of male and female associates in their mind.

During the training, the participants were updated with new knowledge and skills related to components to drug treatment and rehabilitation. They learnt through interactive and experiential methodologies employed by the trainers.  The participants were very proactive; they listened attentively, asked questions and participated in the role plays and other group presentations including small group exercises and large group exercises.  They were open to receive feedback especially during the exercises and became more creative with their presentations

On 25 February 2022, closing ceremony was held and certificates were distributed to participants. Dr. Talat Habib, Director of Nishan Rehab advocated for treatment of persons with SUD and briefed about DAP and Nishan Foundation in his speech. Mr. Zahid Abbas Khawar, Director Nishan Rehab Multan highlighted importance of substance use disorder treatment in the country and particularly in far flung areas like Multan or South Punjab. Media coverage was also present. Local print and electronic media took snaps during Dr. Talat Habib presentation and also pictures of participants during group activity. On behalf of participants, Miss. Syeda Reeda Kazmi thanked Nishan Rehab, Colombo Plan DAP, trainer and participants. She affirmed participants who shared the experiences from their daily practices. On behalf of trainer, Dr. Talat Habib thanked the stakeholders for the opportunity to enhance the knowledge of the addiction treatment professionals in Pakistan. The training accomplished its main objectives of providing the participants with the most up-to-date knowledge, research findings and treatment practices.

1. Recommendations:

1. Participants were very satisfied and happy to be the part of the training and they recommended that the training series should be continued in Southern Punjab.
2. To organize further trainings on UTC 2 -UTC 8 for same group of participants.
3. If possible, it is recommended to fully sponsor exam eligible candidates for refresher course and ICAP examination.
4.  It is requested to consider funding Training Provider for next future trainings.
5. “Weekend is best time for these trainings or during holidays. Please! Hold other conferences (trainings) and meetings on weekends as more and more candidates can enroll for it. Provide opportunities to attend conferences, seminars and meetings in other cities. Opportunities of jobs are provided for the students” Wrote one of the participants.

2. Comments and reflections of the Participants:

Most of the participants were very much satisfied and gave positive feedback to trainer and acknowledged. Overall, the participants liked the peaceful conducive environment, training methodology and time management of the training.  They found the training well organized, visionary and interactive. They commended trainer for his knowledge, skills and kind attitude.

What Participants shared:

Mr. Zahid Abbas Khawar

We should always keep on learning about addiction treatment and allied sciences. By attending UTCs, I am really amazed that how much we need to learn. My professional career started with job at a rehab center as clinical Psychologist and after serving two years, I was designated to the post of director. I am in addiction treatment profession for last two decades. I joined Nishan Rehab four years ago. It was a great prospect for me to work with Nishan Rehab and augment my knowledge in field of addiction. I am currently serving as Director of Nishan Rehab Multan. I have been into addiction field since many years and nothing new would be there but I was amazed  to know approximately 70 % of knowledge delivered about addiction was new for  me.  It significantly improved my learning about addiction treatment. My knowledge about psychopharmacology of SUD’s, effects of various drugs on brain communication and evidence based practices are among few of the topics that were new for me. Everything was practically taught using interactive model that enabled me visualize and learn more efficiently.

Motivational interviewing was something new for me. Stages of change was a new concept for me that I really related and linked with the recovery process of addiction treatment. It was a nice experience. Looking forward to the new training as I am keen to learn more.

During this training, I experienced to learn more and more about how a good treat facility should encounter the practices that may play a vital role in the long term recovery of the client. I learned a lot as Dr Talat has already been practicing evidence based treatment protocol in the setup and it also helped and encouraged me to employ all the new knowledge and practices required in the facility to facilitate the treatment successfully.

Overall this course enhanced my knowledge and was experiential.

Samina Nazim

I participated in many online and physical workshops and trainings but this training is one of the most useful and informative. I am glad to participate in this UTC for substance use disorders. I think it is the first time in Multan to get training on this high rated problem. At this time, we need it most to gain knowledge about drugs and their effects on person’s mental and physical health. Their recovery programs, positive treatment outcomes and counseling sessions. Drug addiction is one of the most serious diseases around the world and now it is termed as a chronic disease. “Pakistan has 6.7 million drug users currently and it is the highest rank for any country.”     (UNODC) United Nations Office on Drug and Crime.

I highly appreciated to the trainer and practitioner Dr.Talat Habib who give us the opportunity to attend the courses free of cost and share our experiences and knowledge with us regarding (SUD) substance use disorders. He had done a great service for all trainees. All the content, material and modules were comprehensive and understandable. UTC-1 and UTC-2 both of the training courses were professionally organized. I would like to special thanks to Nishan Rehab Hospital organizer Mr. Zahid who manage all the training schedules and gave a comfortable environment.

In both courses, all trainees had equally chance to participate in presentations, discussions, writing exercises, questioning and in creative activities. All modules learned with a lot of fun, no anybody felt boredom which is the good point of this training. Last but not the least, professional certification is a motivation for all trainees to develop our skills and confidence.

Thank you so much for this valuable training. I really enjoyed and appreciated that you made it fun. Thanks again to Dr.Talat who share his wisdom and fruitful experiences.

Regards

Samina Nazim