Theme 11 · ACGMH 2027
Addressing substance use and addiction as part of a broader ecosystem involving mental health, social conditions, and structural vulnerabilities — emphasizing integrated, community-based prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Overview
This theme is part of the broader conference focus on community-based mental health systems, innovation, equity, and resilience across Africa and low- and middle-income countries.
← All ThemesAcross many African contexts, rising levels of alcohol and drug use — particularly among young people — are contributing to increased rates of depression, anxiety, violence, school dropout, and economic instability.
This theme emphasizes the need for integrated, community-based approaches that combine prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery support, while addressing stigma and systemic barriers to care.
Without addressing substance use, mental health interventions may be less effective, community well-being remains compromised, and cycles of vulnerability continue.
Significance
This theme addresses urgent and interconnected challenges in mental health systems, with direct implications for research, policy, practice, and communities.
Growing public health concern: substance use is increasing, particularly among youth and urban populations.
Strong link to mental health: substance use both contributes to and results from mental health challenges.
High social impact: substance use affects families, communities, safety, and economic productivity.
Limited access to care: treatment services are often centralized, stigmatized, or unavailable.
Opportunity for prevention: community systems can play a powerful role in reducing risk and supporting recovery.
Key Areas of Focus
Submissions may address any of the following focus areas, or propose related topics aligned with the conference vision.
Patterns and drivers of substance use among adolescents and young adults
Influence of peer pressure, unemployment, urbanization, and social stressors
Community norms and cultural attitudes toward substance use
School and community-based prevention strategies
Co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders
Bidirectional relationships between distress and substance use
Integrated treatment approaches addressing both conditions simultaneously
Training providers to recognize and manage dual diagnosis
Community-based prevention programs targeting high-risk populations
Public awareness and education campaigns
Harm reduction approaches: safer use and reducing risk behaviors
Role of policy and regulation (e.g., alcohol control measures)
Decentralized and accessible rehabilitation services
Peer-led recovery and support groups
Integration of substance use treatment into primary health care
Reintegration into community life, education, and employment
Social stigma associated with substance use disorders
Impact of stigma on help-seeking and recovery
Criminalization versus health-based approaches to care
Creating supportive and non-judgmental care environments
Differences in substance use patterns among men and women
Substance use in relation to gender-based violence and trauma
Barriers faced by women in accessing treatment
Designing gender-responsive interventions
National policies on substance use and mental health
Integration of substance use services into PHC and community systems
Coordination between health, social services, and justice systems
Monitoring and evaluation of substance use interventions
Cross-Cutting Considerations
Equity
Ensuring access to prevention and treatment for marginalized populations
Human Rights
Promoting dignity and non-punitive approaches to care
Integration
Linking substance use services with mental health and social systems
Cultural Relevance
Adapting interventions to local contexts and norms
Sustainability
Building long-term, community-based support systems
Guiding Questions
What are the main drivers of substance use in different community contexts?
How can mental health and substance use services be effectively integrated?
What prevention strategies are most effective for young populations?
How can community-based rehabilitation models be scaled sustainably?
What role should policy play in addressing substance use as a public health issue?
How can stigma and discrimination be reduced to improve access to care?
What We Invite
Strategic Importance
This theme addresses a critical intersection between mental health, public health, and social development. Integrated approaches to substance use and mental health are essential for meaningful and sustained impact on individual and community well-being.
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