Abu Dhabi: A marked increase in the number of patients seeking rehabilitation services for addiction to various substances is both encouraging and concerning, a senior official said on Thursday.
While this could mean that more people are aware of the benefits of seeking help for addiction, it could also indicate that more and more people are finding themselves addicted, said Dr Tarek Abdul Gawad, director of treatment and rehabilitation at the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC). The centre offers services to help Emiratis combat addiction, and educates the community about the risks of drug abuse.
“Last year [2012], we saw nearly 960 patients at the centre for addiction treatment and rehabilitation. In the first half of 2013 alone, we have seen more than 1,300 patients. Another extremely worrying trend is the fact that many addicts today ‘shop for prescriptions’”, he told Gulf News.
The practice involves consulting different doctors to obtain prescriptions for medicines, usually painkillers, sleeping pills and drugs to treat epilepsy.
“Addicts stock up on the drugs in this manner. In general, most addicts abuse a mix of substances, including prescription drugs, alcohol and other harmful drugs,” Dr Abdul Gawad said.
The official added that it is also worrying to see more and more young teenagers abusing substances.
“In the past, most of our patients were in their twenties. But in 2012, more than 70 patients were aged between 14 and 19 years,” Dr Abdul Gawad said.
Peer pressure, a lack of positive role models, breakdown of the family unit and unemployment are some of the main factors that contribute to individuals abusing substances, he explained.
To highlight the fact that drug abuse is harmful, the NRC launched a week-long awareness campaign in Abu Dhabi on June 23. Children were educated about the risks at a popular mall, and the campaign, which also coincided with the United Nation’s International Day against Drug Abuse on June 26, culminated on Thursday in about 60 bikers spreading the message along the Corniche and Breakwater area.
“Many teens harbour the idea that it takes drugs to make activities like biking fun. Today, a team of Emirati bikers will demonstrate that biking, and indeed all other activities, are actually more enjoyable without harmful substances,” said Shayma Al Jabri, media officer at the NRC.
“Many individuals end up using drugs for recreational purposes. We will therefore stress on the importance of leading a healthy life,” said Saleh Al Shareef, an Emirati biker, insurance administrator and father of two.
