Professionals working in the field of addiction were mainly concerned with alcoholism. Further, during the Communist era, social problems were officially non-existent and were not seen as a cause of addiction. Rather, addiction was viewed as purely medical or psychiatric. At the present time, new drugs and new groups of young people becoming rapidly involved in drug use and drug dealing represent a major challenge to administrative systems and institutions and to involved professionals. Some of the problems related to the implementation of training programs for drug demand reduction staff are noted, as well as support projects offered by international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and independent experts in the field of drug demand reduction. Challenges facing East-West cooperation are identified. 1 reference and 1 note