ICAD Videoconference on Drugs and Recreational Contexts

"Drugs and Recreational Contexts" was the theme of the ICAD, I.P. videoconference held on 20 September, which was attended by 163 participants.

The speakers at the session were Daniel Martins, head of the Drug Checking Service at the Boom Festival; Rui Sousa, criminal investigation coordinator at the Polícia Judiciária - Unidade Nacional de Combate ao Tráfico de Estupefacientes; Susana Mafra and Frederico Condeço, from ICAD, I.P. - CRI do Ribatejo - ET de Santarém and Andreia Nisa, coordinator of the BeSafe project.

Education about drug use: the experience of Kosmicare, the role of the Judicial Police in reducing demand, the intervention of ICAD, I.P. - CRI do Ribatejo in trance parties, and the intervention of beSafe in inland territories, in this case Viseu, were the perspectives presented.

João Goulão, president of ICAD, I.P., opened the session by highlighting the enormous acceptance and interest aroused by the videoconferences, emphasising their educational nature. In closing, he emphasised the "rich learning experience" of this videoconference, expressing his desire for ICAD, I.P. to be able to extend the Drug Checking service in various contexts, beyond recreation.

Joaquim Fonseca, coordinator of the Prevention and Health Promotion Unit of ICAD, IP's Integrated Intervention Department, who moderated the session, presented some ideas for reflection and framing. Throughout the session, he emphasised some notes on each of the speeches.

Regional asymmetries, as well as the lack of resources and support to ensure continuity were some of the difficulties mentioned.

The referral of consumers to the Commissions for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction was also mentioned at this event, once again confirming the positive articulation between the CDT and the security forces.

Watch the recorded video conference at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqNEGQsnJZw