Fedasil (Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Applicants) supported the DrugInt 1.0 research project in 2023 to gain insight in the current situation of substance use and related interventions in the Belgian reception setting. Fedasil is supporting the DrugInt 2.0 project in 2024, which aims to develop, based on the results of DrugInt 1.0, a Basic Drug Training for Fedasil employees.

This project is conducted as part of a collaboration between two research centres at Ghent University: The Institute for Social Drug Research (ISD) and the Centre for the Social Study of Refugees and Migration (CESSMIR).

This study includes four central research questions:

1. What is the nature of observed substance use (both licit and illicit substances and medication) among applicants for international protection?
2. Which substance use related interventions exist in Fedasil reception centres?
3. To what type of substance use treatment are applicants referred and what are the experiences in the reception network regarding referral and treatment?
4. What training and intervention needs do professionals in reception centres identify regarding substance use among applicants for international protection?

To answer these questions, an online survey was distributed to Fedasil staff and other actors in the reception network. This survey fully filled out by 273 respondents (81% Fedasil). Forty-nine qualitative interviews were conducted mainly with Fedasil staff (n=25), professionals in substance use treatment (n=16) and in the Closed Reception Centres for Illegals (n=6) and other partners in the reception setting (n=2).

As part of this project, an infographic and information video were developed for Fedasil staff in Dutch and in French. The two tools provide insight into the definition and practical tips in prevention, early intervention, treatment and harm reduction. These materials are made available in full on the Institute for Social Drug Research (ISD) website and via Fedasil.

In 2024, the project group will develop the Basic Drug Training in cooperation with external stakeholders and experts (DrugInt 2.0).

In the DrugInt 2.0 project, the infographic and knowledge clip will be explained in the Flemish centres as part of a Basic Drug Training using the train-the-trainer principle so that staff can repeat the training in their own centre. This can take place in parallel and in coordination with the development of a VAD drug policy, for those centres that are working on this (<10). A Welcome Pack is offered for starting staff in cooperation with Alto vzw.

The Basic Drug Training includes the following elements: (1) Explanation of train-the-trainer & online component; (2) Drug use among people on the run & DrugInt results; (3) Drugs?!; (4) What works?; (5) Are we doing it right?; (6) We're going for it: identifying priorities; (7) Closing: referral opportunities and in-depth training.

This Basic Drug Training is low-threshold and based on existing material and scientific evidence.

The training will consist of about 40 clear slides, exercises for participants and a train-the-trainer manual. This training can therefore be implemented once by UGent and then structurally embedded by Fedasil.

For more information, clarification on the recommendations or support in applying them, you can contact the authors.