The Office for Combating Drugs of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, in collaboration with the civil society organization “Izlazak” from Belgrade and Dr. David Patton, Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Derby, United Kingdom, hosted a successful webinar to mark November as the Month of Combating Addiction, on Friday, November 29, 2024.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to addressing the complex challenges of addiction, fostering dialogue, and sharing best practices.
Special recognition was given to Dr. Patton, whose expertise in the rehabilitation and resocialization of individuals battling addiction provided invaluable insights to participants.

Representatives of multidisciplinary teams from local governments across Serbia were warmly welcomed at the event.

The webinar’s primary objective was to facilitate an exchange of experiences and practices between Serbia and the United Kingdom, with particular emphasis on strengthening multidisciplinary teams at the local level. A key highlight was the discussion of the Inclusive City model from Middlesbrough, a leading initiative recognized for its success in addressing addiction-related challenges.

Participants presented the structure, activities, and challenges faced by their local teams through concise five-minute presentations. This interactive segment encouraged mutual learning and reinforced the importance of collaboration in enhancing addiction recovery initiatives.

Dr. Patton’s presentation was followed by an engaging Q&A session, providing participants a platform to exchange ideas and deepen their understanding.
His research emphasized how members of the recovery community, through their culture of recovery, resist the harmful structures of capitalism, coloniality, and patriarchy.
He highlighted the transformative potential of Inclusive Recovery Cities as heterotopias—spaces fostering well-being, connectedness, and quality of life, not only for those in recovery but for entire communities.

The Office for Combating Drugs expressed sincere gratitude to all participants for their dedication to tackling addiction and their active contributions to this meaningful discussion. Events like this are instrumental in shaping solutions that improve lives and build stronger, more resilient communities.

Stay tuned for future events and updates as Serbia continues its collective efforts to combat addiction and promote health and well-being.