Chithuen Phendhey Association (CPA), with support from Save the Children Bhutan, successfully hosted the Community-Led Advocacy Network (CLAN) Summit 2025 in Phuentsholing from January 9 to 10. The summit convened 25 representatives from seven districts, all with lived experiences of Substance Use Disorder (SUD), to discuss Bhutan’s growing drug crisis and identify compassionate solutions.

Moving Beyond Punitive Measures

Participants shared their challenges and emphasized that current punitive approaches to drug issues have not only failed to reduce substance abuse but have also contributed to fear, isolation, and stigma among individuals struggling with addiction.

“The strict laws are not helping us. They are only making us more afraid and isolated. We need support, not punishment,” said Pema Dorji, a participant from Gelephu.

This sentiment aligns with CPA’s advocacy efforts, which promote health-centered, evidence-based approaches to address substance abuse, focusing on rehabilitation, reintegration, and community support rather than punishment.

Addressing Critical Gaps

The summit provided a platform to highlight systemic gaps in the current drug policies and services:

• Centralized Services: Rehabilitation and outpatient services remain inaccessible to many, being concentrated in Thimphu, while individuals in other districts face financial and logistical burdens to access support.
• Emerging Drug Trends: Representatives reported a worrying rise in heroin (brown sugar) use, particularly in urban and border areas, signaling a shift from earlier trends like Spasmo-Proxyvon and marijuana.
• Lack of Aftercare: The absence of aftercare and reintegration programs has led to high relapse rates, leaving individuals without long-term support post-treatment.

Call to Action

The Recovery Allies for Bhutan (RAB Bhutan), a network of individuals with lived experiences, was formally established during the summit. Together, they called for a shift in focus to health-centered policies and community-driven solutions, including:

• Training health workers on overdose prevention and ensuring the availability of Naloxone.
• Expanding rehabilitation centers and creating decentralized, user-friendly services.
• Actively involving individuals with lived experiences in policy formulation and program design to ensure practical and effective solutions.

Rising Threat of Harder Drugs

The summit also raised concerns about the increasing presence of international drug networks, as evidenced by recent heroin seizures. “If urgent action is not taken, Bhutan could face a heroin epidemic, leaving our communities vulnerable,” said Tshering Wangchuk, a representative from Samdrupjongkhar.

Next Steps

CPA will consolidate the findings and recommendations from the summit and submit them to the government and relevant agencies for policy consideration. This effort reflects CPA’s commitment to creating a compassionate and resilient Bhutan, where individuals and communities are empowered to overcome the impacts of substance abuse.