A four-day training on Universal Treatment Curriculum for Substance Use Disorders (UTC training package) was held from 9 to 12 December 2025 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The training was organized by UNODC, with the generous funding support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
The training was designed to prepare a team of national trainers for the International Certified Addiction Professional Level II (ICAP II) credentialing examination, bringing together 27 participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Delivered by experienced Regional Master Trainers Dr. Yuriy Rossinskiy and Dr. Oleg Yussopov, the sessions focused on strengthening participants’ practical competencies in delivering evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders, including the application of pharmacotherapy protocols, crisis response techniques, and psychosocial interventions. Participants worked through mock tests, clinical mini-cases, and guided group reflections based on real-world treatment scenarios, enhancing their ability to conduct motivational interviewing, formulate CBT cases, manage complex client situations, and ensure safe, client-centred care throughout the treatment process.
For Dr. Oleg Yussopov, this training was part of a long journey shared with a group of participants who have been attending this series of trainings over many years. He reflected on how this continuity has allowed both trainers and participants to grow together, deepening their skills and strengthening their shared commitment to evidence-based, high-quality care. As he noted during the closing session, “the show must go on” – a reminder that this training is not an endpoint, but a stepping stone for continued learning and the ongoing development of a strong regional network of addiction professionals.
One of the participants, Mr. Naimjon Malikov from Tajikistan, shared that the training provided an invaluable opportunity to refresh knowledge gained over the past five years. Having previously attended online sessions, he appreciated the offline, in-person format, which allowed him to ask questions and engage fully with the trainers – a level of interaction not always possible during virtual trainings while managing work commitments. He highlighted that successfully passing the mock tests strengthened his confidence and reinforced his belief that such trainings can significantly improve national services and the quality of care in the field of addiction treatment in Taijikistan.
Ms. Mariya Prilutskaya from Kazakhstan, emphasized that the training helped her bring structure and clarity to her professional practice. By identifying her areas of weakness and gaining direction for future development, she felt more confident in her ability to grow as a trainer herself. Maria also valued the opportunity to network with specialists from across the region, sharing experiences and learning from peers like Mr. Malikov, strengthening the regional professional community.
Overall, the training demonstrated how a structured, evidence-based approach can strengthen both the skills and professional development of specialists, empowering them to apply their knowledge effectively in their countries and fostering a collaborative regional network dedicated to improving treatment and care for people with substance use disorders.