Responding to an International Need: INEP Plus

The Introduction to Evidence Based Prevention (INEP) provides learners with the essential principles of substance use prevention. Developed by Charles University (CUNI) in Prague, the course content is based on the European adaptation of the Universal Prevention Curriculum.

With the support of Charles University, INEP Plus was developed by ISSUP to add value to the INEP content by providing training of facilitators from its National Chapters who could then offer INEP Plus courses in country for beginners in prevention. This course offers participants the flexibility to engage in online learning, with sessions scheduled between different content chapters. These sessions are designed to facilitate learning, encourage sharing of insights, and enhance understanding of the complex issues addressed in the INEP Plus programme.

Given the uptake and positive response and engagement of ISSUP National Chapter members, ISSUP is now planning for its sixth cohort of INEP Plus facilitators. So far, we have trained. 97 trained facilitators from 34 National Chapter countries. The fifth cohort was provided in Spanish, and we seek to be able to offer the course and provide the facilitator training in a range of other languages. We are now providing the course to people in their countries and building the prevention community’s understanding of evidence-based prevention.

ISSUP believes that INEP Plus is making a necessary contribution to informing and professionalising the prevention workforce.

ISSUP National Chapters has a major role in providing trainers who can become facilitators of INEP Plus. They are unique in being able to do this.

So, what is INEP Plus trying to communicate?

• We all have a role in prevention.
• We need prevention “specialists” - “preventionists”.
• Substance use is a behaviour that should be seen as a disorder that can impact not only the user but also the family, friends, community as well as others that cannot help being part of the “workforce” or “stakeholders”.
• Those with a substance use disorder require help and support.
• Substance use - and other health behaviours - are not always due to the response or choices of the individual user. There are many other factors which can contribute to drug use. For example, it is important to consider the contribution of the society, community, friends and family and culture; the issue of work and money; the opportunities for people to achieve a positive response and have human dignity.

We are positive that in a joint effort we are making progress in our prevention work. Important organisations and people are working together to offer help and support and make evidence-based prevention practices accessible around the world. Let’s continue working together towards the common goal of bridging the gap between research and practice!