Digital addictions, cyberbullying, alcohol, cannabis, and new psychomodulatory substances were just some of the topics discussed at a high-level roundtable on modern addiction policy. The debate brought together experts and policymakers to examine current risks and trends. The event also marked the release of a policy memorandum, “Addiction Policy 2025+: A Pathway to a Sustainable and Healthy Czechia,” outlining seven key principles to guide the country’s future approach to addiction policy.
“In Czech addiction policy, we have chosen a path of rationality rather than ideology. The idea of a society where everyone abstains completely is unrealistic, and perhaps even harmful. The alternative is a harm-reduction approach. Another cornerstone is policymaking based on data and scientific evidence, not on subjective impressions or political preferences. Only this way can we protect public health while ensuring effective and fair regulation,” said Jindřich Vobořil, Chairman of the Board of the Institute for Rational Addiction Policies. He added: “New challenges lie ahead, children spending 24/7 on their phones, the emergence of new substances, and the global threat of fentanyl.”
The discussion covered a wide spectrum of issues, from the influence of social media on younger generations, cyberbullying, online gambling, and workaholism, to risks linked with sports and body image, as well as alcohol and its impact on youth. Participants also addressed cannabis regulation, approaches to hard drugs, access to prevention services, and the emergence of new psychoactive substances and psychomodulatory legislation.
Alongside Vobořil, expert contributions came from Ladislav Csémy, President of the Institute for Mental Health and Addiction Studies; Michael Fanta, Chief Analyst at the Center for Economic and Market Analysis (CETA) and lecturer at Anglo-American University; and David Bezdomnikov, Regional Director of Společnost Podané ruce for the Olomouc and Zlín regions.
The expert session was followed by the official presentation of the memorandum “Addiction Policy 2025+: A Pathway to a Sustainable and Healthy Czechia.” Prepared jointly by the Institute for Rational Addiction Policies and the Institute for Mental Health and Addiction Studies, the document presents a comprehensive vision for the future of addiction policy in the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections. It highlights the fact that the social costs of addiction-related harms range between CZK 150 and 250 billion annually, yet the issue continues to receive inadequate political attention. The memorandum sets out seven guiding principles, from evidence-based regulation and harm-reduction measures to respect for human rights, accessible prevention and treatment networks, and strengthening Czechia’s role in the international context.
“Our recommendations are grounded in principles that have proven effective in both Czech and international practice,” explained Ladislav Csémy. “The key is consistent reliance on scientific evidence and the application of harm-reduction principles, i.e. rational regulation. One component is weighing the degree of harmfulness, which is an effective way to protect public health while respecting individual rights. Such an approach, rooted in evidence-based principles, should not be seen as a burden but rather as a sound investment in the health and prosperity of the entire country.”
The political segment featured responses from candidates for the Chamber of Deputies: Renáta Zajíčková (ODS), Jan Bartošek (KDU-ČSL), Patrik Nacher (ANO), Vladimír Balaš (STAN), Ivan Bartoš (Pirates), and Radim Fiala (SPD). The debate underscored the need for a systematic and long-term strategy in addiction policy, built on harm-reduction, respect for human rights, and transparent decision-making.
The roundtable concluded with a summary and a call to establish an interministerial working group tasked with implementing the recommendations and supporting the future direction of Czech addiction policy.