Pavel Bém, the National Drug Coordinator in Czechia, has appointed Jindřich Vobořil, his predecessor, as his advisor. Vobořil, who leads the Society of Submitted Hands and the Rational Addiction Policy think-tank, will be responsible for preparing proposals and essential materials for upcoming measures related to drug policy. He expressed his readiness to contribute ideas and initiatives to tackle the pressing issues of drug addiction.

In his discussions with journalists, Vobořil outlined his focus areas, which include developing a new national action plan addressing issues surrounding alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and psychostimulants. He emphasized the importance of efforts to curb the black market for these substances, indicating the sheer magnitude of the challenges the country faces in managing addiction. The attention to alcohol as a significant factor in addiction treatment highlights the broader societal issues tied to substance abuse.

Bém, upon assuming his position in January, stressed that the action plan would target illegal drugs, as well as alcohol and tobacco. He labeled alcohol as a hard drug due to the complications it presents in terms of addiction recovery. With Vobořil’s extensive background and expertise, there is a hope that his contributions will effectively shape the national drug strategy going forward, addressing addiction comprehensively and proactively in Czech society.