The pilot rehabilitation programme for detainees with alcohol dependency supported by the Council of Europe and implemented by the National Administration of Penitentiaries of the Republic of Moldova over 15 months in 12 penitentiaries, has shown promising results. At the evaluation workshop held on 22 May 2026, pilot-prisons reported increased awareness of the risks of alcohol use, improved emotional self-regulation, greater motivation for positive change, and strengthened communication and coping skills among the 185 detainees involved.

These outcomes suggest a significant step forward in addressing alcohol-related behaviour and reducing recidivism risks. The workshop highlighted the importance of sustaining and expanding the programme, with the expectation that continued rehabilitation efforts will facilitate safer reintegration and lasting behavioural change for detainees across Moldova’s penitentiary system.

The activity was organised under the auspice of the Council of Europe Projects “Further strengthening the prison and probation systems, the provision of health care, and the treatment of patients in closed institutions in the Republic of Moldova” implemented through the Council of Europe Action Plans for Moldova (2025 – 2028).