The theme for this year is 'Be the Shield'. It is a metaphor for South Africans’ shielding (protecting) their children, families, friends, community, workplaces, the country and themselves from the battle with substance use disorders. 

The ADDICTION 2023 Conference is our next key opportunity to bring together different perspectives and solutions to the table. Through the inaugural ADDICTION 2021 Conference, we have successfully ignited the movement for change, now it is time to advance this movement by taking ownership and being accountable as people of this beautiful country.