Washington DC – Mr. Tay Bian How, Director ACCE, Ms. Winona Pandan, Training Executive, ACCE and Dr. V. Thirumagal form TTK and an ACCE Master Trainer, attended the International Meeting to Review Capacity Building Curricula for Addiction Treatment Service Providers organised by the INL, US Department of State from 15-17 April 2013 held at the CICAD, Organization of American States (OAS), Washington DC, USA.

The meeting aimed to review the present training treatment curricula offered by the OAS, UNODC and the Colombo Plan ACCE with the intention to develop a common Addiction Treatment curricula to be utilized by the three international organizations in the world. The experts’ panel from the three international organisations reviewed the three separate curricula namely, the Training for Drug Treatment Professionals Basic Level (PROCCER) by the CICAD of the OAS, TreatNet Curriculum of the UNODC and the INL CP ACCE Global Training Curricula with the view of developing the universal common curriculum for training of treatment practitioners.

The ACCE representatives served as panel members together with the following: Alexandra Hill, Maria Luna, Erin Moreno and Maria Lujan of CICAD/OAS; Stefano Berterame, Elizabeth Saenz and Elizabeth Mattfeld of UNODC; Nita Lalla, ONDCP; Thom Browne and Brian Morales of INL, US Department of State; Rhonda Mckillip, Private Substance Abuse Trainer/Consultant.   Ms. Shirley Mikell of SME Consulting facilitated the meeting and guided the panel members in the process of review of the INL/Global Training Curricula which included the nine curricula developed for ACCE. Mr. Thom Browne, Director of Demand Reduction of INL was also present to provide the genesis, rationale and developments of the initiative. The comments and recommendations of the panel of experts will be incorporated in the revision of the training curricula, which will be reviewed further in another meeting to be organized by the Colombo Plan ACCE in October/November 2013.

During the meeting, the Secretary General of OAS, Ambassador Paul Simons together with the Executive Secretary graced the closure of the meeting and was given a briefing about the goal of the initiative.

Seoul, South Korea – The Asian Centre for Certification and Education, with funding support from the INL, US Department of State, and in partnership with the Korean Association for Addiction Professionals successfully implemented the first of a series of training on INL/CP ACCE Global training Curricula for the KAAP Master trainers.   The training was held on 30 March – 6 April 2013 at the Korean Internet Addiction Center, National Information Society Agency.

The programme aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of KAAP master trainers in substance use addiction, prepare them for certification and most importantly to familiarise them with the content as well as the use of the training curricula.

The sixteen participants were selected from various fields of addiction treatment and are active members of the KAAP.   They were taught and trained on Curriculum 1:  Physiology and Pharmacology for Addiction Professionals, and Curriculum 2:  Treatment for Substance Use Disorders- The Continuum of Care for Addiction Professionals.   During the week-long training, the participants were able to enhance their knowledge and skills on substance use disorder not only from the trainers and the content of the manuals presented but through their collaborative effort in bringing together their experiences and their expertise. Through the various exercises, especially the case studies, they learned more about each other’s areas of specialization.  The discussions likewise helped some of the participant’s  identify the gaps in their  present services.

Most of them appreciated the teaching methodology which was more person-centered, interactive, and collaborative. They all agreed that they had fun   learning and are looking forward to the next training.

During the closing ceremony, DR. Hyun Seob Cho, President-KAAP, thanked the trainers and the participants for their hard work in making the first TOT a successful one.  She expressed her gratitude to  Mr. Tay Bian How , Director-ACCE,   for his support and the INL, US Department of States.

• Experts Group Meeting for the Review of Pre and Post Tests of the Global Basic Addiction Treatment Curriculum (Project No. 2012-17)
• Working Group Meeting for the Implementation of Revised Training Strategy of Afghan Treatment Practitioners (Project No. 2012-12)

The overall objective of these two activities is to ensure high quality and effective implementation of the ACCE initiatives. As part of the series of training conducted in member countries, the ACCE team gauges the effectiveness of the training by obtaining a pre- and post-test of each of the curricula. An effective pre and post training assessment will help the ACCE and its trainers to measure the effectiveness of the ACCE training programme in improving participants’ competency to conduct their work.  It will also help the trainers to assess how effective they were at engaging the participants and imparting the information. The two meetings were chaired by ACCE Director, Mr Tay Bian How, who welcomed the delegates and provided an outline of the objectives of the meeting. The Secretary General of the Colombo Plan. Mr. Adam Maniku also graced the opening of the meeting and encouraged the participants to contribute to bringing the marginalised to the mainstream society by assisting the persons with substance use disorders.

The two sets of meeting participants then separated into different rooms to commence work. The two working groups completed the implementation of a revised training strategy for Afghanistan and the development and finalisation of the pre-and post-test questions for the ACCE curricula over the three working days.

The ACCE Global curricula prepares substance use disorder counsellors for professional certification at the entry level by providing the latest information about SUDs and their treatment and facilitating hands-on activities to develop skills and confidence in a new (or minimally trained) treatment. The overall goal of the training series is to reduce the significant health, social and economic problems associated with the substance use disorders (SUDs) by building international treatment capacity through training, professionalizing and expanding the global treatment workforce.

The ACCE Basic Level training series has 9 curricula each consisting of a trainers’ manual and a participants’ manual. In addition, the ACCE team has developed a complementary curriculum to the counseling skills curriculum on Psychoeducation for Clients and Families in Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation. This book provides counselors with the appropriate material that counselors may use as an aid when conducting psycho-education sessions in their treatment programmes. Although these have been developed in English, translations of these manuals are also being carried out for some of the participating countries namely Afghanistan, Central Asian, Indonesia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The ACCE Curricula is also adapted and translated into the national language of the participating countries where the use of the English versions might result in problems in comprehension and understanding. The adaptation and translation of the manuals is therefore an integral aspect of the ACCE global initiative to build the capacity of international drug treatment personnel. The ACCE curricula are also available in the following languages and will also be available in Urdu shortly

The ACCE has been able has been very active in 2012 with the highlight of the year being the credentialing of 35 addiction professionals. The ACCE has also facilitated 50 initiatives of which 33 were Training of Trainer (TOT) workshops with a total of 1,396 beneficiaries participating in the various ACCE programmes.

In addition, one of the milestones of 2012 was the establishment of the policy making body of the ACCE Commission consisting of representatives of the member countries namely, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The ACCE Commission adopted the Code of Ethics for the Treatment Professionals and established the three levels of ACCE credentials that would be known as International Certified Addictions Counsellor (ICAC) I, II and III. In June, the ACCE Basic Level credentialing examination was conducted in Jakarta, Indonesia for the Indonesian Master Trainers and Board members.

The ACCE team has also completed 13 training programmes for a total of 360 treatment providers from Afghanistan in 2012. Since 2011, a total of 398 Afghans have been trained out of the 571 that were initially identified as needing training on the 9 ACCE Curricula. The pool of master trainers in Afghanistan was also expanded with further training conducted on Curriculum 1 and 2 in Dubai in the latter part of the year. This is to accelerate the pace of training the 571 Afghan treatment practitioners in the country. With the additional Afghan trainers the major treatment stakeholders would not only have trained staff but would also be able to sustain the training their own staff in the future.

The ACCE programme has also initiated a series of cost-sharing projects where participants pay part of the training to meet the growing demand from addiction professionals for training. This initiative has been very successful with 45 treatment practitioners following the series.

The ACCE Basic Level training series has 9 curricula each consisting of a trainers’ manual and a participants’ manual. In addition, the ACCE team has developed a guidebook on Psychoeducation for Clients and Families in Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation. This book provides counselors with the appropriate material that counselors may use as an aid when conducting psycho-education sessions in their treatment programmes. Although these have been developed in English, translations of these manuals are also being carried out for some of the participating countries namely Afghanistan, Central Asian, Indonesia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The ACCE Curricula is also adapted and translated into the national language of the participating countries where the use of the English versions might result in problems in comprehension and understanding. The adaptation and translation of the manuals is therefore an integral aspect of the ACCE global initiative to build the capacity of international drug treatment personnel.

A complete list of ACCE Activities for 2012 can be seen in Annexure A.

The Colombo Plan ACCE activities 2012
The Colombo Plan ACCE activities 2012.pdf
Version: 1.0.1

Author:	The Colombo Plan ACCE
Date:	14 March 2013

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Liberia is still in the process of recovery from its 14 years of civil war and violent conflict after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord in Accra, Ghana, in August 2003. Undoubtedly this civil war had a significant impact on human development, social structure and services, the existing health response infrastructure as well as plans to scale up and strengthen this infrastructure❷.

Liberia now is facing problems and challenges during the Liberian civil wars while 80% of the addicts said they are ex-combatants, where drugs such as cocaine, heroin, benzodiazepine, marijuana were commonly used as tools to stimulate bravery and conquer their many fears❸.

The World Drug Report of 2008 (relying on 2004) data estimates the number of drug users in the general population aged 15 – 64 years in Liberia to be around 0.2% (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2008).

Scientific research and clinical practices dictate that an effective approach to drug addiction treatment requires a continuum of care that guides an individual through the various stages and phases of treatment from his entry into primary care to follow-up, aftercare and long-term sobriety. Outreach and Drop-In Centres (ODIC) are designed and established to address the various requirements of the addicted individual and his family before and after entry into a formal treatment programme.

ODIC as a pre and post-treatment is defined as a facility that caters to the marginalized addicted population, including men and women as well as high-risk populations among adolescents and children; provides services that are non-residential in nature; is located in high drug prevalent areas; and has limited access to drug-intervention services.

Such services should be consistent with continuum of care and cover a range of intervention services. These would include screening, assessment, counseling, group therapy (including family members and significant others), relapse prevention, psycho-education, case management, life skills, crisis intervention, peer support group, and referrals❹.

Therefore, the joined mission of the CPDAP in November 2012 with the Bureau for International Narcotics Law and Enforcement Affairs, US Department of State (INL) and United Nation of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) aimed to develop a visibility study and assessment to find suitable organisations to collaborate on all five different projects in Liberia. The mission was successful with two organisations selected as ODIC partners.

1. Teen Challenge Liberia (TCL)

Since its inception in 1958, Teen Challenge has pioneered a multi-disciplinary treatment model that enables substance abusers to recover from their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual debilitation

through twenty-four hour supervised residential centers.❺

The rehabilitation strategies of Teen Challenge International are carefully designed and implemented by trained staff to assist the residents in overcoming the causes and effects of addiction which enable them to return to society as drug free citizens.

2. Liberian United Against Drugs Abuse (LUADA)

LUADA was organised in 1992 and subsequently Incorporated and accredited in 1993 as the first local anti-drug, community-based, value focused, non government organisation to serve the needs of the disadvantaged addicts in the Liberian Community.❻

LUADA understands first hand that issues related to drug and alcohol addiction extend well beyond the boundaries of any individual, neighborhood, community or social system.

On February 2013, CPDAP developed inception meeting as an orientation of concept and strategy for implementation of ODIC programme with TCL and LUADA in Liberia. The two-day meeting was successfully completed with the enthusiastic participation of the representatives from both ODIC project partners.

The meeting started and was composed of synchronization of the perception and philosophies of the local situation in Liberia with the ODIC programme. CPDAP Treatment Expert presented the main concept and core skills of the implementation of ODIC programme: counseling techniques, development of aftercare support and the encouragement of family role with the ODIC programme.

One of the expected outcomes of the meeting was for TCL and LUADA to have the basic framework of understanding of the implementation of ODIC programme and core skills required i.e. counseling and aftercare/ follow-up. Following the assessment of drug situation, existing community conditions and the locations of the facilities, the inception of project services in Liberia have been tailored to suit the capacity of the two implementing agencies.

Even though the war is over in Liberia, it has left foot prints of widespread drug/alcohol use and abuse, experienced daily in Liberian ghettos. The Liberian communities have tremendous expectation from this programme, believing it will bring changes for them, especially for those who suffer from substance use disorders.

CPDAP expresses sincere gratitude to the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), US Department of State, for their continued support.

CPDAP extends it appreciations to its two partners for implementing these ODIC programmes in Liberia.

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❶ African Union, Drugs News Africa “Emerging trends in illicit Drug Consumption in West Africa”, January-April 2012

❷ UNODC, Preliminary Assessment Report on Drug Demand Situation and Responses in Liberia, January 2012

❸ http://www.tnrliberia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=461:national-drug-rehabilitation-center-launched&catid=25:health-matters&Itemid=153

❹ Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme, Outreach and Drop-In Centre Manual, March 2012

❺ Teen Challenge Liberia, Organisation’s Profile

❻ Liberian United Against Drug Abuse, Organisation’s Profile

The Cost Sharing Initiative (CSI) is partly funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), US State Department. It is designed to respond to the demand for training from treatment practitioners who wanted to undergo certification and be able to provide skills-based and evidence-based practices in SUD treatment.

Usec. Edgar C. Galvante, Permanent Member of the Dangerous Drugs Board and the Treasurer of the ACCE Commission graced the inaugural ceremony, while Mr. Tay Bian How, ACCE Director welcomed the participants and briefed them on the process of credentialing. Mr. Vicente Tico Aldanese, Center Director of We Do Recover was also present.

The two ACCE Trainers, Mr. Tay Bian How and Ms. Winona A. Pandan were supported by Dr. Sun  MIn Kim, Ms. Ma. Elena Cristobal, Mr. Clementa Abella and Mr. Mark Chua in conducting the ten-day training of the basic level training course which included Curriculum 1: Physiology and Pharmacology for Addiction Professionals; Curriculum 2: Treatment of Substance use Disorders (The Continuum of Care for Addiction Professionals), and Curriculum 8: Ethics for Addiction Treatment Professionals.

A total of 31 treatment practitioners from ten (10) government and non-government organizations, representing the three major islands of the Philippines, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and one (1) from Maldives, participated in the programme.   Each of them has shown the willingness and commitment to learning by taking off their “professional hats” and actively participating in various activities during the training.  In the course of their work, aside from gaining knowledge from the materials and shared experiences, the participants were inspired to start working together to create an organization for addiction treatment professionals that will promote and pave the way for the recognition of the workers in this field.

The interest shown by the participants inspired the ACCE to organize a second CSI. Most of the participants who are motivated to further improve their craft made a commitment to attend the next CSI scheduled in Bangkok in March 2013.

What the Participants Said?
“My experience with the training is remarkable. I could say I am privilege to have attended this and it also gave me the opportunity to widen the knowledge and scope of skills I need in this field. I’ve been working in this field for 13 years, had several trainings here and abroad, but my experience with ACCE was again very significant and notable…what I like is the approach because it’s like a 60-40 workshop-lecture type. The discussions in groups, making case studies and the participation of the whole group made it a difference.  Overall, beside the need of it as an eligibility requirement for the examination, the experience is rewarding in the sense that it enhanced my knowledge and skills in addiction treatment. It also gave me a thought to improve our program based on our culture in harmony to the ideals of leading addiction professionals such as NAADAC.” –jerry joseph valderrama

The BNN Chief, Police General Mr. Anang Iskandar, inaugurated the ceremony and underscored the high prevalence of drug use in the country as well as the significance of addiction practitioners in the country to acquire the necessary credentials to enable them to render more effective services to the addicted persons and their families in the country.

The ACCE Director, Mr. Tay Bian How who gave brief opening remarks, congratulated BNN’s efforts in making the certification programme and professionalization of addiction practitioners a reality.  He informed the participants that Indonesia is the first among the Asian countries to implement the certification initiative and acknowledged the leadership and commitment of BNN Chiefs namely, Mr. Anang Iskandar, Mr. Gories Mere and Mr. Ahwil Lutan, and the untiring efforts of the other senior BNN officials, Dr. Kusman Suriakusumah and Dr. Benny Ardjil who have contributed immensely in the process.  He also commended Mr. Ahwil Lutan, who is the current and first ACCE Commission Chairman.

The highlights of the programme were the awarding of the ACCE ICAC Level I certificates to the 12 treatment professionals, who have passed the ACCE Basic Level examination last July 2012 by ACCE Commission Chairman, Mr. Ahwil Lutan, and awarding of the certificates of participation to the 15 participants of the Indonesian Training of Trainers on INL/CP ACCE Global Training Curricula held on 2-11 January 2013 by BNN Chief, Mr. Anang Iskandar.

Among the guest speakers for the first plenary session were Mr. Tay Bian How, ACCE Director, Dr. Shanti Ranangathan, TTK, Ms. Winona Pandan, ACCE Training Executive and Dr. Diah Setia Ufami, Secretary, Ministry of Health.  The topics deliberated during the plenary were the CP ACCE Certification Programme, Benefits of Certification, Overview of the INL/CP ACCE Global Training Curricula, and the Counseling Programme of the Ministry of Health.   In the plenary, the ACCE Cost Sharing Initiative was also promoted to enable more addiction practitioners to partake the ACCE training and certification initiative.

Finally, the Colombo Plan wishes to express its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the National Narcotics Board of Indonesia for organizing the national seminar to promote the ACCE training and certification initiative, as well as the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, US Department of State for funding the ACCE training and certification initiative in the Asia Pacific region.