Mokpo Catholic University Successfully Holds 'Preventing Alcohol Addiction and Supporting Recovery' Symposium

More than 250 medical, counseling and welfare professionals attend
App "Dasi Oneul" developed to support recovery from alcohol addiction

Mokpo Catholic University in Jeonnam-Gwangju held a symposium to explore ways for the community to work together to prevent alcohol addiction and support recovery.

On November 4, the university held its third addiction symposium in the Seongsin Grand Auditorium in the main university building under the theme, “Preventing Alcohol Addiction and Supporting Recovery: A Return to Healthy Daily Life.”

Mokpo Catholic University President Yoon Binho delivers opening remarks at the symposium on the 4th. Photo by Jung Seunghyun.

About 250 people, including experts in local medical care, counseling and welfare, university officials and members of the public, attended the event and discussed ways to prevent alcohol addiction, intervene early, provide treatment and support recovery.

The symposium was organized by Mokpo Catholic University in cooperation with the Jeollanam-do Anchor Center, the Korea Association of Addiction Professionals, Dasarang Hospital and St. John of God Hospital.

In his opening remarks, President Yoon Binho emphasized alcohol’s dual nature and called for greater public attention to addiction and a coordinated response.

“Alcohol has long served as a medium for culture and socializing, but excessive drinking can cause physical illnesses and mental health problems and have serious effects on families and society,” Yoon said. “We must build a healthy mental health care system that encompasses both prevention and treatment.”

The university also introduced “Dasi Oneul” (working title), an app it is developing to support recovery from alcohol addiction.

The app is based on a 12-step program designed to help people recovering from alcohol addiction support their own recovery. After review by an institutional review board this month, the university plans to run a pilot with Dasarang Hospital and others before launching the free service in December.

The university expects the app to serve as a digital recovery tool, helping people in recovery manage their condition over the long term and return to daily life.

An official with the Anchor Project Group at Mokpo Catholic University said, “Alcohol addiction is not just an individual problem; it is a challenge that the community must address together. We will continue expanding our research, education and community service activities to prevent addiction and support recovery, in cooperation with medical institutions, professional organizations and others.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.