Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic will serve as the regional hub for knowledge and scientific cooperation by hosting the 18th Latin American Conference of Therapeutic Communities (18CLACT), bringing together over 50 experts from 16 countries dedicated to the care, treatment, and recovery of people with substance use disorders (SUD).
Organized by the National Drug Council (CND) and the Latin American Federation of Therapeutic Communities (FLACT), with support from the Guara Bi Foundation, WestCare Foundation, UASD, and the Ministry of Public Health, the conference will take place November 5–7, 2025, at the Manuel del Cabral Auditorium in Santo Domingo.
The three-day event will feature keynote lectures, research presentations, and specialized panels, focusing on evidence-based approaches, social inclusion, and dignity in addiction treatment. High-level participants include Public Health Minister Víctor Atallah, CND President Alejandro de Jesús Abreu, and international experts such as representatives from CICAD/OAS, UNODC, WFTC, Proyecto Hombre (Spain), TCA (USA), and Brazil’s DEPAD. Dr. David Patton from the University of Derby (UK) will participate virtually on therapeutic community models and rehabilitation policies.
The conference also gathers leaders of the 14 national federations affiliated with FLACT, making it a premier forum for knowledge exchange and the strengthening of regional public policies. The event highlights the Dominican Republic’s commitment to evidence-based public policies, international cooperation, and human-centered approaches to mental health and addiction care.
