The psychiatrist suggested certifying rehabilitation centers for drug addicts

Ruslan Isaev, President of the Independent Narcological Guild, a psychiatrist and narcologist, proposed certifying rehabilitation centers for drug addicts in Russia. He voiced the corresponding idea during a round table of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection, held in the lower house of parliament. This was reported in the press service of the Independent Narcological Guild on Friday, February 20.

The reason for the intensification of the discussion was the high-profile events of the end of 2025, when serious violations in the activities of rehabilitation centers were revealed in a number of regions of Russia, and the owners and employees of individual institutions became involved in criminal cases.

Isaev stressed that social rehabilitation is not a medical activity and therefore cannot be regulated through the mechanism of medical licensing. According to him, the creation of a new license will require considerable time and complex interdepartmental approvals, which is unacceptable in the context of a prolonged regulatory vacuum.

The expert suggested using a mechanism for voluntary certification according to agreed standards with the formation of regional registers of rehabilitation centers and mandatory confirmation of compliance.

"You shouldn't reinvent the wheel — such mechanisms have already been used and allowed you to build a quality system without excessive bureaucracy," the psychiatrist—narcologist quotes Lenta.Ru .

Speaking about the so-called "black rehabs", where people are forcibly detained, the doctor pointed out the need to create working tools for social support and legal retention of a person in treatment. Isaev stressed that any violence, both physical and psychological, is unacceptable.

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The court arrested two suspects, but nothing is known about the whereabouts of the clinic's owner, psychologist Anna Khobotova.

A criminal case was opened on November 25 for the torture and detention of 24 teenagers in an illegal rehabilitation center. According to the investigation, psychologists were supposed to work with the minors, but the teenagers were beaten and tortured. 360.ru .

On November 28, the Istra District Court arrested the organizer of the rehab, Anna Khobotova, the Moscow City News agency reports. A criminal case was opened against her under articles on intentional infliction of serious harm to health by a group of persons, torture of minors, provision of services that do not meet safety requirements, as well as unlawful imprisonment. The woman did not admit her guilt.

An 18-year-old girl who participated in the beating of teenagers in rehab was placed under house arrest on November 26, RT reports. In addition, a former employee of the institution told Izvestia that one of the center's consultants had an intimate relationship with underage students.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.