The European Center for Peace and Development of the United Nations University for Peace (ECPD) had organized on 3 and 4 June 2022 in Pula the XIII ECPD International Specialist School „Latest Achievements in Pevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Addictive Diseases“ with the main topic „The Imperative of Revitalization of Social-Psychiatric Program“.

The opening of the School was heald at the City Hall of Pula and introductory speeches were given by Prof. Dr. Filip Zoričić, Mayor of Pula, Academician Prof. Dr. Negoslav Ostojić, Executive Director of ECPD and Prof. Dr. Zoran Zoričić, Director of the School and head of the Reference Center for Addictions of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia. The work continued at the ECPD Regional Center for Development Studies in Pula.

ECPD UN University for Peace implements this School within the framework of the International Program for the Transfer of Knowledge Systems in the Field of Medical Sciences. The aim of the School is to introduce the latest knowledge, practical and scientific achievements in the field of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of addictive diseases in emergency situations to the participants - psychiatrists, psychologists, pedagogues, social workers and other experts.

Contemporary addictions in the era of postmodernism still have epidemiological rates, and the massive stress and trauma expressed through the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges, both to society, as well as to the psychiatrists and other professionals.

Addictive diseases directly or indirectly affect all phases of the life cycle of individuals and families, making it impossible for a person to fully function in the personal, family, professional and social spheres. And society in general bears numerous consequences due to abuse and addiction to psychoactive substances.

The main topics of this year's School were:

•                     Mass traumatism (COVID-19 pandemic) and addictive diseases

•                     Functioning of the mental health care system during the COVID crisis

•                     Practical aspects of cooperation among healthcare, social welfare and non-governmental organizations

•                     Digitization and addictive diseases in the 2030 UN Agenda

•                     Challenges of regulating the production, circulation and use of psychoactive substances

•                     Intergenerational trauma and addiction, and other topics.

The school was internationally and nationally accredited. On the basis of participation in classes and acquired knowledge during the work of the School, participants received an internationally valid ECPD Certificate of the United Nations University for Peace.