Announcement of APSAAR-related Meeting
WAPSAAR is pleased to announce its participation in the “2025 International Conference on Drug Policy: Yaba, Methamphetamine, and Synthetic Drugs” in Bangkok, scheduled for 6-8 August 2025. This significant event brings together leading academics, experts, policymakers, and representatives from international organisations to exchange evidence-based insights and co-develop sustainable strategies for drug prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, particularly concerning medication and care for mental disorders resulting from stimulant drug use.
As a leading voice in the Asia-Pacific region, APSAAR is proud to host three dedicated symposia at the conference, demonstrating its commitment to advancing understanding and solutions in addiction science:
o **The Intersection of Addiction: ATS, Chemsex, and Gambling Disorder:**
Speakers include Dr. Anne Yee (Malaysia), Dr.Ayumi Takano (Japan), Dr. Do Hoon Kwon & Prof. Dai Jin Kim (South Korea), Prof. Marc N. Potenza (USA), Assoc. Prof. Theerayut Rungnirundorn (Thailand).
o **Breaking New Ground: Exploring Novel Approaches to ATS Addiction:**
Speakers include Dr. Tomohiro Shirasaka (Japan), Dr. Kristiana Siste (Indonesia), Dr. Yong Chan Jeong (South Korea), Dr. Joel Galernter (USA), Assoc. Prof. Rasmon Kalayasiri (Thailand).
o **Optimising Controlled Medicines Policy: Balancing Access and Safety:**
Speakers include Dr. Viroj Sumyai (Thailand), Dr. Diah Setia Utami (Indonesia), Prof. Sawitri Assnangkornchai (Thailand), Prof. Chawanun Charnsil (Thailand).
Professor Sawitri Assnangkornchai from Thailand, the President of APSAAR, will also be actively involved, highlighting APSAAR's vital role in shaping regional and international strategies against drug abuse. We look forward to contributing to meaningful discussions and collaborations at this important conference.”
For more information: www.yaba-icdp2025.com
Summary of the 2025 APSAAR Symposia
The APSAAR symposia at the 2025 International Conference on Drug Policy in Bangkok,
Thailand, brought together experts to discuss critical issues related to drug policy, addiction, and treatment. The three sessions—"The Intersection of Addiction," "Breaking New Ground," and "Optimizing Controlled Medicines Policy"—provided key insights into stimulant use, co-occurring disorders, and the delicate balance between patient access and drug control.
Session II-1: The Intersection of Addiction: ATS, Chemsex, and Gambling Disorder
This symposium explored the complex interplay between different forms of addiction, particularly stimulant use, chemsex, and gambling disorder.
・ Anne Yee presented on a novel online intervention aimed at reducing HIV/STI risksand drug-related harms among stimulant-using men who have sex with men (MSM) in
Malaysia. The study, conducted via the website www.chemfunsupport.online,
showed potential for harm reduction but highlighted challenges with participant retention.
・ Dohoon Kwon and Dai Jin Kim from Korea shed light on the changing landscape of
drug use, noting a shift towards younger populations and a diversification of substances.
Their research emphasized a link between rising online gambling and stimulant use,
suggesting a shared neurobiological basis involving dopamine activation.
・ Marc N. Potenza from Yale University further explored the shared neurobiology and
genetics of stimulant use and gambling disorders. He discussed how these common
factors have significant clinical and policy implications, raising a timely concern about
how increased access to gambling in countries like Thailand could impact vulnerable
individuals.
Session I-2: Breaking New Ground: Exploring Novel Approaches to ATS Addiction
This session showcased innovative research and treatment strategies for ATS (Amphetamine-Type Stimulant) addiction from across the Asia-Pacific region.
・ Tomohiro Shirasaka presented a survey on substance use disorders in Japan,highlighting the importance of using standardized psychometric tools to match patients
with appropriate levels of care. The study found a mismatch between the severity of
dependence and the care provided, indicating a need for better patient screening.
・ Kristiana Siste discussed the effectiveness of Indo-SURFT, a cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT) intervention for incarcerated women with methamphetamine use disorder
in Indonesia. The study found that Indo-SURFT helped improve employment-related
outcomes and reduced cravings, though follow-up care was necessary to maintain gains.
・ Yong Chan Jeong presented on the development of a CBT-based digital therapeutic
device called D-STOP in South Korea. This tool aims to bridge the gap in limited
addiction treatment facilities by providing a digital intervention to improve access and
outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders.
・ Joel Galernter shared insights from his work on the genetics of cannabis use and its
implications for the study of stimulants. He highlighted how large biobank samples can
reveal the genetic architecture of substance use traits and suggested that a similar
approach could be applied to studying stimulants in Thailand, which would be invaluable
for future research.
Session II-4: Optimizing Controlled Medicines Policy: Balancing Access and Safety
This symposium focused on the challenges of ensuring access to essential controlled medicines
while preventing their diversion and misuse.
and psychotropic medicines for medical purposes. He highlighted the concerning lack of access
to opioid analgesics for pain management in many regions, including East and Southeast Asia, despite a sufficient global supply.
・ Diah Setia Utami shared Indonesia's experience with its Methadone Maintenance
Treatment (MMT) program, initiated to combat rising heroin use and HIV
transmission. She noted that while Indonesia has developed robust regulations to prevent
misuse, the program now faces new challenges with the increasing prevalence of
methamphetamine use.
・ Sawitri Assanangkornchai clarified the INCB's dual mandate to ensure the availability
of essential medicines for medical purposes while rigorously preventing their diversion.
She advocated for strengthening national regulatory frameworks, improving data
collection, and enhancing professional education to achieve a balanced policy that
safeguards public health and meets patient needs.