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Dr. Tim Dueck (he/him) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work & Human Services at University of the Fraser Valley, and he is of mixed European and Inuit (Canadian Indigenous) ancestry. Tim teaches graduate and undergraduate social work courses with a focus on Indigenous social work pedagogies and practices. His pedagogy includes the framework of Inuit Qaujimanituqangit, a comprehensive paradigm that includes both traditional knowledge and ways of knowing.

His research and publication interests include strategies to decolonize and Indigenize social work educational experiences with an emphasis on relationality and how this applies to international social work engagement. His work has been published in Social Work Education and Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions.

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Canadian Indigenous Peoples, Substance Use, and Trauma-Informed Allyship

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Canadian Indigenous Peoples, Substance Use, and Trauma-Informed Allyship

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This interactive workshop explores the current and historical effects of colonization on Canadian Indigenous Peoples, how this results in disproportionate substance abuse issues, and how social workers can best further trauma-informed allyship with this demographic.

The discussion also includes Indigenous models of wellness and how these might apply to addictions treatment and prevention service deliveries.

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Participants will gain a better understanding of the role of colonization and corresponding traumas that continue to affect high rates of substance use among Indigenous Peoples. They will also gain a better understanding of how social workers can best demonstrate allyship through a trauma-informed lens.

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indigenous, substance use, treatment models, allyship

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https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1533256X.2023.2191453

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2722639/

https://www.ccnsa-nccah.ca/docs/health/FS-InuitQaujimajatuqangitWellnessNunavut-Tagalik-EN.pdf

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Why is a trauma-informed approach vital to addressing substance-abuse with Indigenous Peoples?

How might traditional Indigenous concepts of health and wellness be employed not only in substance abuse treatment models, but also in prevention services?

How might some of these concepts apply to other non-Indigenous demographics?

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Prof. Dr. Daniel Deimel is Professor of Health Promotion and Prevention at the Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm. He is also a visiting scholar at the Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen. Daniel is a certified social worker, holds a master’s degree in addiction prevention and addiction therapy (M.Sc.) and has a doctorate in rehabilitation sciences (Dr. phil). He is a trained supervisor and coach for the German Association for Supervision and Coaching (DGSv).

His work focuses on social science research into HIV and addiction, project development and evaluation, particularly in the field of health promotion for vulnerable and marginalized groups, drug and HIV/Aids services, and evidence-based social work.

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Social Work and Harm Reduction in Germany

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Social Work and Harm Reduction in Germany

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Open drug scenes are characterized by public gatherings of people who use drugs (PWUD) for the purpose of drug consumption and trade, often related to poor health conditions as risk of overdose, a higher prevalence of infectious disease and social exclusion.

Open drug scenes in Germany are a risk environment for drug related harms. Homelessness, limited access to healthcare due to lack of health insurance, and frequent substance use exacerbate health and social challenges are very common. Expanding harm reduction services, including housing first initiatives, and low-threshold opioid substitution treatment access for individuals without health insurance, is crucial to address these issues.

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Understand the living conditions of people in open drug scenes in Germany. Participants will find out what effects crack cocaine use has and what harm reduction services are necessary.

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harm reduction, crack cocaine, heroin, homelessness

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Deimel, D., Feldmann, L., Scherbaum, N., Firk, C., & Fleißner, S. (2025). Characteristics, crack use, housing situation and psychosocial problems of people in the open drug scene in cologne, Germany – results of a cross-sectional survey. Harm Reduction Journal, 22(1), 96. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-025-01256-2

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I am at the beginning of my university career, as I started working at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Wellbeing and Fine Arts 3.5 years ago as Senior Lecturer in Social Services.

Before that, I worked for 20 years in various social work positions. Most recently, I was a director in an organization that strongly developed harm reduction work in our area.

I have 2 university degrees in social work, a Master of Social Services and Master of Social Science. In addition to teaching, I work in various research and development projects related to substance abuse and addiction work. Currently I’m a Project Manager in 2 ongoing projects: Growing substance- and gambling free in Satakunta -subproject and JUHO – flexible reforms and well-being through inclusion.

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Harm Reduction Work: Where Are We Now and What Should be Done in Finnish Point of View

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Harm Reduction Work: Where Are We Now and What Should be Done in Finnish Point of View

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This lecture explores the current state of harm reduction in Finland, with a focus on social work’s role in addressing addiction. It examines recent trends such as the rise in drug-related deaths among young people and persistent barriers to accessing treatment. It also examines the effects of stigma on accessing services. The session highlights Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) recommendations, and existing harm reduction practices.

Finally, we will learn about an EU-funded project JUHO, that started in September 2025, the purpose of which is to develop services by bringing professionals and drug users together in co-development.

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Current state of harm reduction in Finland and recommendations

Existing practices from a social work perspective

Co-development in JUHO EU-project

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harm reduction, substance abuse, substance abuse services, stigma

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https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12954-023-00884-w

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00914509221128598

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/SAR.S304566#abstract

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The Impact of Stigma on People with Opioid Use Disorder, Opioid Treatment, and Policy

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Illicit drug use disorders are the most stigmatised health conditions worldwide, and stigma acts as a meaningful barrier to treatment entry and treatment provision. In the context of dramatically r…

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What are the main barriers to accessing harm reduction services, and how might social workers address them?

How do THL’s recommendations align with current practices in your own country or context?

In what ways can stigma affect both service delivery and clients’ willingness to seek help?

What role should social work play in connecting harm reduction with long-term social reintegration?

How might co-development projects like JUHO change the relationship between professionals and people who use drugs?

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Paul Sacco received his MSW from Arizona State University in 1995 and practiced for 10 years as a psychiatric social worker. In 2005, he returned to complete his PhD in Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis and joined the faculty of the School of Social Work in 2009.

His research focuses primarily on behavioral health and addictions with a focus on life course development, alcohol use disorders, problem gambling, tobacco use, and behavioral health integration.

Sacco combines his behavioral health research with an interest in the training of social work students in evidence-supported behavioral health interventions. He served as the Project Director of a SAMHSA-funded Screening and Brief Intervention and Referral for Treatment (SBIRT) Training program (2014-2017) and continues to provide training in this public health approach. He also directed the BHWISE-Lifespan Fellows Program (2014-2025), a HRSA-funded workforce development project focused on integrated behavioral health training.

Sacco teaches in the foundation and clinical practice areas. He also teaches structural equation modeling in the PhD program. As an educator, he endeavors to support students in learning the latest from research while helping them to recognize the core elements of effective social work practice.

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Older Adults and Substance Use: Considerations for Social Work Practice

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Older Adults and Substance Use: Considerations for Social Work Practice

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In this presentation, participants will learn about the intersection of substance use, aging, and older adults. The seminar will explore the use of alcohol and other psychoactive substances among older adults, motives for substance use in this population, and risks associated with use among older adults. Assessment of alcohol and other drug use among older adults will be briefly reviewed, and participants will discuss best practices for supporting older adults seeking help for substance use.

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Participants will learn the substances commonly used by older adults and become familiar with what is known about the risks associated with these substances.

Participants will learn about substance-related screening approaches for older adults.

Participants will explore and discuss best practices for engaging and treating older adults who may be living with a substance use disorder

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alcohol, cannabis, opioids, substance use disorder, unhealthy drinking, screening and brief intervention, ageism, stigma

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O’Grady, M., Zajac, K., DePalma, A., Liu, Y., & Barry, L. C. (2025). Tailoring Treatment for Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults: A Mixed-methods Study. Innovation in Aging, 9(6), igaf027. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igaf027

Sacco, P., Kuerbis, A., & Harris, R. (2020). Older adults and substance misuse. In A. L. Begun & M. M. Murray (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Social Work and Addictive Behaviors (pp. 247–261). Routledge. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429203121

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). TIP 26: Treating Substance Use Disorder in Older Adults. (PEP20-02-01-011). Rockville, MD.

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What are some of the risks of substance use for older adults?

What are some of the reasons why older adults might use substances?

In what ways could substance use treatment programs respond to population aging?

What are the most commonly used substances among older adults?

What are age, period, and cohort effects, and how might they influence substance use among older adults?

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Dalida Mukasheva is a PhD in Sociology from L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Astana, Kazakhstan. Her research focuses on social work in the penitentiary system, particularly the well-being of prisoners living with HIV and the role of social work in resocialisation.

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From Prison to Community: The Role of Social Work and Probation in Supporting Vulnerable Groups (Kazakhstan)

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From Prison to Community: The Role of Social Work and Probation in Supporting Vulnerable Groups (Kazakhstan)

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The dissertation “Social work as a factor of social well-being in the penitentiary system: A case study of people living with HIV” presents a comprehensive sociological analysis of the social well-being of prisoners in Kazakhstan, with particular attention to women and people living with HIV. The study is based on a large-scale survey of 645 prisoners, additional research among formerly incarcerated women, and expert interviews, identifying institutional, social, and interpersonal factors shaping prisoners’ well-being.

The research introduces the concept of “institutional social well-being of the prisoner” and develops an original model of the penitentiary social worker, which includes diagnostic, motivational, rehabilitative, and post-penitentiary components. Comparative analysis of international practices (Germany, Norway, Kyrgyzstan, China) highlights the limitations of Kazakhstan’s current system and substantiates the need for a hybrid approach adapted to post-Soviet conditions. The findings provide scientifically grounded recommendations for the institutionalization of social work in Kazakhstan’s penitentiary system and emphasize probation as a crucial mechanism for ensuring effective resocialization of vulnerable groups.

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To understand the concept of institutional social well-being of the prisoner and its theoretical foundations.

To analyze the role of social work in improving conditions for prisoners, including people living with HIV, in the penitentiary system.

To examine international experiences of penitentiary social work and their applicability to Kazakhstan.

To explore the development and functions of a penitentiary social worker model and its significance for probation and resocialization.

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Mukasheva, D., Tulkinbayev, N., Prilutskaya, M., Yessimova, D., & Stöver, H. (2024). Behind bars: Understanding prisoner perception of penitentiary rehabilitation in Kazakhstan. International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice, 77, 100669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlcj.2024.100669.

Mukasheva, D.D., & Stöver, H. (2024). Prison systems and HIV: How social work contributes to improving the quality of life of prisoners. Bulletin of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Pedagogy. Psychology. Sociology series, 149(4), 619–630. https://bulpedps.enu.kz/index.php/main/article/view/1015.

Stöver, H., & Mukasheva, D.D. (2023). Stigmatization of people living with HIV in Kazakhstan and the role of the social worker in overcoming it among women with incarceration experience. Bulletin of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Pedagogy. Psychology. Sociology series, 142(1), 473–484. https://bulpedps.enu.kz/index.php/main/issue/view/9/9.

Mukasheva, D.D., & Stöver, H. (2023). Challenges and needs of women in prison: A study on social and health factors. Bulletin of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Pedagogy. Psychology. Sociology series, 143(2), 443–455. https://bulpedps.enu.kz/index.php/main/article/view/340.

Yessimova, D.G., Baigabylov, N.O., Kudabekov, M.M., Baltabaeva, Zh.B., Mukasheva, D.D., & Zhamankulova, Zh.S. (2021). Social work with people living with HIV infection and people using drugs in Kazakhstan. Bulletin of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Pedagogy. Psychology. Sociology series, 3(136), 289–300. https://doi.org/10.32523/2616-6895-2021-136-3-289-300.

Mukasheva, D.D. (2025). Социокультурные факторы интеграции международных стандартов в пенитенциарную систему Казахстана: качественная оценка. Вестник КазНПУ имени Абая. Серия: социологические и политические науки. https://bulletin-socpolit.kaznpu.kz/index.php/ped/article/view/610.

Tulkinbayev, N.A., Kudabekov, M.M., Konvisar, A.A., & Mukasheva, D.D. (2023). Роль неправительственных организаций и государства в ресоциализации и социальной адаптации осужденных. В сборнике Международной научно-практической конференции: Противодействие религиозному экстремизму в местах лишения свободы: вызовы и стратегические приоритеты (pp. 106–115). Алматы: Костанайская академия МВД РК. ISBN 978-601-361-326-0.

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Which international practices (for example, from Germany or Kyrgyzstan) could realistically be applied in Kazakhstan’s penitentiary system?

What kind of cooperation is needed between prisons, NGOs, and health services to make resocialization more effective?

How can stigma from staff and society be reduced so that former prisoners with HIV can find work and housing?

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Candidate of Philosophical Sciences and Associate Professor at the Kyrgyz State University named after K. Karasaev. She graduated in Social Work (2002) and defended her dissertation “Social Work as an Object of Philosophical Analysis” in 2012. From 2012 to 2022, she headed the Department of Social Work and Practical Psychology and coordinated the international project SOLID (2020–2024).

Author of over 40 publications, she also develops educational standards, serves as an accreditation expert, and supervises PhD and postgraduate research. Her achievements were recognized with the Excellence in Social Protection award (2019) and the Jubilee Medal 20 Years of the Penal System (2024).

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Social Work with People with Psychoactive Substance Dependence in Kyrgyzstan: Approaches and Methods

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Social Work with People with Psychoactive Substance Dependence in Kyrgyzstan: Approaches and Methods

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This presentation explores current approaches and methods of social work with people dependent on psychoactive substances in Kyrgyzstan. It highlights psychosocial support, harm reduction practices, and gender-sensitive interventions, while addressing challenges in the local context. Special attention is given to the role of social workers in improving quality of life, reducing stigma, and integrating international best practices into national programs.

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By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

·       Identify key approaches and methods of social work with people dependent on psychoactive substances in Kyrgyzstan.

·       Understand the legal framework in this field, as well as the early warning mechanism for the emergence of new drugs, psychoactive substances, precursors, and their substitutes in the Kyrgyz Republic.

·       Recognize cultural and gender-specific factors influencing social work practice in this field.

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Bakirova, Z. (2022, July). Psychosocial aspects of prevention and treatment of people with addiction in the Kyrgyz Republic. In Drug Cultures and Policy in Germany, Central Asia and China (pp. 153-158). Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG.

Uulu, T. E. (2023, April). 11 Legal and Regulatory Frameworks of Social Work with Drug Users in Kyrgyzstan. In Social Work and Health in Prisons (pp. 219-234). Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG.

Liberman, A. R., Kurmanalieva, A., Biibosunova, D. I., Shumskaya, N., Ivasiy, R., Bromberg, D. J., Madden, L. M., & Altice, F. L. (2024). Trajectory and progress of opioid agonist therapy programs in the Kyrgyz Republic. Global health economics and sustainability, 2(4), 2536. https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.2536

National policy makers and key stakeholders in Kyrgyzstan are increasing their knowledge of the quality assurance system for drug use disorders through UNODC training https://www.issup.net/knowledge-share/news/2022-12/national-policymakers-and-key-stakeholders-kyrgyzstan-expand-their

Постановление Кабинета Министров КР от 31.07.2025 г., № 460. Об утверждении Положения о механизме раннего оповещения о появлении новых наркотиков, новых психоактивных веществ, предпрекурсоров и заменителей прекурсоров в Кыргызской Республике.

https://www.gov.kg/ru/npa/s/4691

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How do you think cultural and gender differences in Kyrgyzstan influence social work practices with people dependent on psychoactive substances?

In your opinion, what are the strengths and challenges of combining harm reduction approaches with legal frameworks and early warning systems in addressing new psychoactive substances?

Which international best practices in social work with people with substance use issues could be adapted to the Kyrgyz context, and why?