The International Recovery Symposium 2023 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

In the lush surrounding of Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, a transformational event unfolded from September 18 – 21 – the International Recovery Symposium. Drawing a remarkable gathering of over 700 delegates from 22 countries, this symposium proved to be a beacon of hope and change in the realm of addiction recovery.

The symposium offered a comprehensive array of learning experiences, with eight training courses running concurrently. These courses offer new perspectives and strategies for attendees to bring back to their communities. At the heart of the symposium was the captivating plenary session, themed “From Incarceration to Treatment,” a poignant reminder of the power of rehabilitation over punishment.

The symposium was not just about lectures and workshops; it was a platform of lively exchanges and dialogues. A dialogue between INL, US Department of State and enforcement agencies was a pivotal moment as all the agencies were engaged in dynamic conversation.

The ISSUP workshop brought new insights into what ISSUP offers members and the wide range of knowledge members can get.

The paper presentation was stimulating highlights as academia presented their papers on drug related topics.

The symposium marked the birth of two monumental events – the launch of ISSUP Malaysia and the Asian Recovery Network.

One of the most anticipated moment was the Phoenix Gala Award, a dazzling evening dedicated to honouring individuals and organizations whose remarkable efforts contributed significantly to drug demand reduction

In the serene ambiance of Kuching, the International Recovery Symposium served as a reminder that recovery is a journey that transcends borders, and that unity, knowledge sharing and celebration are powerful tools in the fight against addiction. At the end of the symposium, the attendees departed with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with wisdom and inspiration needed to continue the vital work in drug demand reduction.