Harm Reduction Academy (HRA) has transformed into the Institute for the Mental Health and Addictions Studies (IMHAS). This change reflects the growing importance of a holistic, scientifically driven approach to public health issues. The renaming and structural transformation were announced during a roundtable discussion titled “Mental Health and Addictions in the Context of Building a Resilient and Healthy Society,” held on March 20 in Prague.
“The transition to the Institute for the Mental Health and Addictions Studies represents a natural evolution, driven by the need to respond effectively to today’s complex challenges. We are building on the solid foundation established by Harm Reduction Academy and expanding our scientific scope to include mental health, enabling us to better address the interconnected issues of mental health and addiction,” said Dr. Ladislav Csémy, president of the newly established Institute and a psychologist at the National Institute of Mental Health’s addiction research program.
During the expert discussion on Thursday, March 20, several new members of the scientific and legislative board were introduced, including Dr. Fabian Steinmetz, toxicologist with the European Kratom Alliance and expert at the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA); Jakub Popík, specialist in human rights and drug policy at the Institute of Sociology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences; and Mikuláš Peksa, CEO of Cybermindet and former Member of the European Parliament.
Other participants included Dr. Kamila Zvolská, Ph.D., physician at the Centre for Tobacco Dependence, Third Department of Internal Medicine – Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Radek Soběhart, Ph.D., Director of Research at Anglo-American University in Prague, who contributed insights from clinical practice and academic research. The discussion was held under the patronage of Tomáš Fiala, Chairman of the Health Committee of the Senate of the Czech Parliament.
Silent Pandemic of Mental Disorders
The European Oncology Organization has described mental disorders as a “silent pandemic,” affecting 84 million Europeans—one in every six citizens. Nearly half of Europeans experienced emotional or psychosocial issues, such as depression or anxiety, in 2023. In response, the European Commission introduced a comprehensive mental health strategy in June of that year.
“At a time when nearly half of young Europeans report unmet mental health needs, decisive and coordinated action is essential. Building a resilient society requires an integrated approach that combines prevention, early intervention, and accessible support to effectively address current and future challenges,” stated Tomáš Petříček, Director of the Progressive Analytical Center (PAC) and the event’s moderator.
The situation in the Czech Republic is equally concerning, with nearly one-fifth of the population currently experiencing mental disorders, most commonly affective, anxiety, and addiction disorders. Between 2010 and 2021, the number of patients with mental disorders increased by 22%, according to the National Health Information Portal (NZIP). Depression represents nearly one-third of all cases.
New Institute Focuses on Intersection of Mental Health and Addictions
“Scientific evidence clearly confirms the interconnectedness of mental health and addiction issues. More than half of those struggling with addiction also suffer from some form of mental disorder,” noted Ladislav Csémy.
The harm reduction approach has proven effective in mitigating addiction impacts, and IMHAS will continue raising public awareness about this strategy. “Harm reduction not only protects users’ health but also brings substantial savings in public healthcare. It is key to modern addiction policies backed by scientific evidence,” emphasized Csémy.
Building Resilient Society Requires Multidisciplinary Approach
Modern society faces complex challenges related to addictions—from traditional forms to emerging digital dependencies. These issues not only impact individuals’ mental health but also significantly affect physical health, underscoring the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach.
The concept of societal resilience, currently emphasized by the Polish Presidency of the EU Council, provides a framework for creating systems capable of overcoming crises and supporting the most vulnerable. The newly established Institute aims to be a key player in implementing this concept within the Czech and Central European contexts.
“A resilient society must identify risk factors, offer effective prevention, and provide timely interventions. Mental health isn’t only an issue for affected individuals; deteriorating mental health, especially among young people, is a societal challenge affecting the economy, social cohesion, and security,” added Petříček. Integrating approaches focused on prevention, health risk reduction, and strengthening individual psychological resilience is vital.
In the coming months, the Institute plans further expert discussions and initiatives to increase awareness about mental health and addiction issues. These activities aim not only to disseminate scientifically supported information to professionals and the general public but also to promote the practical implementation of effective approaches and strengthen international collaboration in this field.