ISSUP Nigeria Knowledge Update Series (27th Session): Exploring the Intersection of Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health: Challenges and Effective Interventions.
ISSUP Nigeria would like to invite you to the 27th session of its bi-monthly webinar in the Knowledge Update Series. This webinar will focus on the topic of 'Exploring the Intersection of Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health: Challenges and Effective Interventions.'.
Date: 27th May 2025
Time: 3:00 PM WAT | 3:00 PM London | 10 AM ET
This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the Intersection of Substance use disorder and Mental Health: challenges and effective interventions. Key aspects covered include:
- Webinar Overview
- Link between substance use and mental health
- Key challenges in diagnosis, access, and care
- Effective interventions for integrated treatment
- System-level strategies for prevention and management and for sustainable impact
- Interactive engagement and action planning
Discussion Topics:
- Understanding dual diagnosis
- Gaps in dual diagnosis and access to care
- Stigma and its impact on dual diagnosis treatment
- Mental health workforce development and training
- Policy and funding priorities
- Technology and innovation in service delivery
- Community engagement
Interactive Elements:
- Real-Life Case Scenarios
- Polls and Live Surveys
Relevance and Significance:
- This presentation explores the rising rates of substance use and the growing strain it places on public health systems. It highlights key challenges, including fragmented care, ongoing stigma, and the social injustices experienced by vulnerable individuals and communities. While there are effective solutions available, they are often not widely used. Aligned with global health goals—such as Universal Health Coverage and integrating mental health into primary care—this presentation calls for urgent, coordinated system-level reforms that can create lasting change.
Target Audience:
- Public health professionals, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders, ISSUP members.
Learning Outcomes:
Following this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Understand the Scope and Complexity
- Recognize Key Challenges
- Explore Effective Interventions
- Commit to Action and Advocacy
Presenter:
Dr. Hassan Bala Salihu
Dr. Hassan Bala Salihu is a seasoned psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience in clinical practice, medical education, and research. He earned his MD from the Russian State Medical University, Moscow, and holds a Master’s in Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
A Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (Psychiatry) and Associate Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Dr. Salihu also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and has completed international certifications in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Global Mental Health, and Health Leadership and Management.
At the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, he serves as Consultant Psychiatrist, Head of the Emergency Unit, and leads the Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Education, and Research (DATER) Unit. He is also the current Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kaduna State Branch.
Dr. Salihu’s key interests include addiction medicine, emergency psychiatry, and public health, with a strong commitment to prevention, health promotion, and strengthening mental healthcare systems in Nigeria.
Moderators:
Dr. Martin O. Agwogie
Director, ISSUP Nigeria Chapter
Ejikeme M. Ogueji
Head, Editorial and Webinar Team, ISSUP Nigeria Chapter
References:
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National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2020). Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report. https://www.drugabuse.gov
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World Health Organization (WHO). (2014). Mental Health Atlas. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565011
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2022). Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) KIT. https://store.samhsa.gov
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United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (2021). World Drug Report 2021: Drug use and health. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/wdr2021.html
Webinars and online events delivered and hosted by the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) are provided for informational purposes only. They are educational in nature and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.