Although prevention programmes and methods are of crucial importance for Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is important to emphasize that not all prevention is necessarily high-quality. Addiction prevention is often perceived as an area in which anyone can take action. However, effective prevention requires professional expertise and the application of scientifically grounded approaches.
Outdated and traditional approaches, which are unfortunately still present in practice, can lead to counterproductive results and long-term negative consequences. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that preventive work is evidence-based, supported by professional training, and aligned with international standards. One of the key tools in this process is the European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC).
The Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE organized its 12th EUPC training session, held on 10. June 10–11, 2025, at the Hotel Terme in Sarajevo. The training brought together professionals from the fields of healthcare, education, social protection, and security, who had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of effective, science-based methods of addiction prevention.
The training included lectures, interactive workshops, and discussions through which participants analyzed the challenges of contemporary prevention and explored examples of good practice from the European context. The training was led by Amir Hasanović, Executive Director of NARKO-NE, and Sanela Pekić, Programme Officer for School-Based Prevention.
Training participant Amela Idrizbegović emphasized that the education helped her more easily recognize risk factors for the development of addiction among young people, enabling her to propose preventive interventions in the school where she works: The knowledge I gained will give me a sense of control in risky situations when working with adolescents. Based on concrete strategies and skills, I gained confidence and motivation to act and apply what I learned in school, with parents, or within the community. The interactive elements and exchange of experiences were particularly interesting, as we felt connected through similar concerns and goals.
Another participant, Amra Čeligija, highlighted how significant it was to learn that not every preventive activity is necessarily good or effective, and how important it is for prevention programmes to be evidence-based: Through working on concrete examples of good practice, it became clearer to me what effective prevention looks like in a school setting and how these programmes can be adapted to the context in which I work. I believe that the knowledge and skills I gained during this training will significantly contribute to my future work and help me recognize and apply effective preventive interventions when working with children and youth, and adapt school prevention programmes to the needs and personal characteristics of students.
Through the implementation of the EUPC programme, the Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE seeks to strengthen high-quality prevention initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while also encouraging decision-makers to move away from ineffective and outdated approaches. Following Sarajevo, EUPC trainings are planned in other cities across the country, with the aim of developing a strong network of professionals committed to effective addiction prevention.
Anisa Čelik Raščić
