What is the ISSUP Nurses Network?
A New Era for the ISSUP Nurses Network: Rekindling a Global Force for Addiction Care
Originally established around 2019 with the support and vision of Dr. Jose Luis Vazquez Martinez, the ISSUP Nurses Network was born out of a shared commitment to elevate the role of nurses in addressing addiction globally. Fast forward to August 2024, the network experienced a powerful resurgence during the pilot of the Universal Nursing Addictions Curriculum (UNAC) Training in Thessaloniki, Greece.
This transformative event—developed and delivered by nurse leaders Dr. Carmel Clancy and Dr. Charon Burda—marked a new chapter. Funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and organized with the support of the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP), the five-day UNAC training was a pivotal moment to reinvigorate and reimagine the ISSUP Nurses Network.
Fourteen dedicated nurses from across the globe came together to pilot this innovative curriculum, designed to equip nursing professionals with critical knowledge and practical skills in addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery. The training covered key areas of alcohol, tobacco, opioid, and drug (ATOD) care, emphasizing evidence-based approaches and global leadership in nursing science and advocacy.
The renewed energy and collaborative spirit of this gathering have sparked a bold relaunch of the ISSUP Nurses Network—a revitalized, empowered community of nursing leaders committed to tackling addiction with compassion, expertise, and global solidarity.
Together, we are shaping the future of addiction care—one nurse, one voice, one network at a time.
What Makes the ISSUP Nurse Network Special?
The ISSUP Nurse Network is more than just a professional community—it's a global hub of connection, inspiration, and leadership for nurses and nursing students who are passionate about preventing and treating substance use disorders.
What sets us apart? Inclusivity, collaboration, and nursing-led innovation, plus it is free!! We welcome nurses and nursing students from all backgrounds, specialties, and practice settings, honouring the unique perspectives, cultural insights, and experiences they bring. This is a space where every voice matters and where nursing excellence is amplified on a global stage.
At the heart of our practice is the Nursing Process—Assess, Analyze, Plan, Implement, and Evaluate. This evidence-based framework guides our collective work and reinforces our commitment to delivering the highest standards of care in alcohol, tobacco, opioid, and drug (ATOD) prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Through collaborative knowledge exchange, shared learning, and nurse-led initiatives, the ISSUP Nurse Network is uniquely positioned to:
- Advance and disseminate impactful research
- Elevate the visibility of nursing contributions in addiction care
- Develop and scale innovative approaches to substance use prevention and recovery
- Address global care gaps and disparities in practice
- Drive bold, creative transformation across diverse healthcare settings
This is not just a network. It’s a movement to empower nurses as leaders in the global response to substance use.
What Are Our Hopes and Vision for This Space?
Our vision for the ISSUP Nurse Network is to become a beacon of support, opportunity, and growth for nurses worldwide who are working at the frontlines—and behind the scenes—of substance use prevention and care.
Whether you're an early-career nurse, a seasoned practitioner, an academic, or a student, this space is designed to support your professional journey through:
- Global networking and peer support
- Training and continuing education
- Research collaboration and scholarship
- Mentorship and leadership development
We are especially excited about nurturing cross-border partnerships in Innovation, Education, Research, and Policy Development. Imagine the power of nurses uniting across continents to design solutions that are culturally responsive, community-driven, and grounded in the realities of practice.
We envision the ISSUP Nurse Network as a dynamic, inclusive, and action-oriented platform that empowers nurses to lead boldly, innovate fearlessly, and transform substance use care in meaningful ways—locally and globally.
Join us. Be part of the change. Help shape the future of nursing in addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery.
For more information on ISSUP membership, click here.
