Mental health represents a key dimension of human life with direct impact on society. Our institute systematically connects experts, researchers, and policymakers to jointly develop effective, evidence-based approaches to mental health support. Through professional seminars, conferences, and publications, we bring the latest knowledge in mental health into practice and education.
Addictions require a comprehensive and professionally grounded approach reflecting their biological, psychological, and social aspects. The Institute implements and promotes evidence-based procedures including harm reduction, which demonstrably minimizes the negative impacts of addictive behavior. Our expert analyses and research projects provide professionals and institutions with data and tools for effective prevention and interventions in the field of addiction.
Institute for Mental Health and Addiction Studies (IMHAS) builds an international cooperation network focusing on the Czech Republic and the Central and Eastern European region. Our activities include conducting research projects, developing methodological recommendations, analyzing legislation, and organizing professional platforms for sharing innovative approaches. As an organisation, we contribute to the development of policy and practice in mental health and addiction based on current scientific knowledge and data.
There’s a deontological argument that categorizes people as either good or bad—guess which category includes those who use drugs.
I see this conflation between so-called addiction or drug dependency with mental health conditions and disorders. And I think it is concerning because I think we are oversimplifying a very complex phenomenon.
We are now facing a public mental health crisis, with digital addictions likely playing an important role, especially among the youngest generation.
There is a real difficulty in supporting people who have both a drug dependency and a mental health problem.
Substance use disorder is the fourth most extensive psychiatric disorder in the European Union, it costs about 300 billion a year.
The combination of alcohol’s high potential for harm and its widespread use suggests that applying the harm reduction approach to alcohol is particularly desirable.
For drug users, harm reduction should include the provision of reliable information and counseling on pharmacology, prevention, and sexually transmitted diseases, vaccination programs against hepatitis A and B, as well as social assistance for the children of dependent individuals.
We need to create an evidence-based system through monitoring and surveillance. We need to increase preparedness and incorporate foresights and future exercises.
Harm Reduction means reducing garm instead of pursuing the unrealistic goal of total abstinence. For example, in Sweden where smokers switched to snug, there was a significant drop in heart attacks. This approach is more effective than an outright ban.
The harm reduction approach is also applicable to occasional users of addictive substances, as well as to smoking and alcohol use. This includes measures such as needle and syringe exchange programs to prevent the transmission of infections like HIV and hepatitis, overdose prevention programs, and substitution treatment.
