Abu Dhabi launches aftercare service to support addiction recovery

The Family Care Authority (FCA) has launched the Aftercare Service as part of its ongoing Halfway Houses project, aimed at supporting individuals in their recovery from addiction.

 Announced on Monday, the new service marks the second phase of the Halfway Houses initiative and forms a key component of the FCA’s Integrated Care Model. It focuses on providing flexible, high-quality treatment options without the need for full-time residency.

The Aftercare Service is designed for adults who have completed detoxification and no longer require inpatient care, as well as those who have previously undergone residential treatment. It offers structured support through therapy sessions, social skills development, relapse prevention strategies, and family counselling.

 Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of the Family Care Authority, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to building a stable and healthy society.

“This service supports the vision of our wise leadership by strengthening family ties and enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities,” she said. “It is aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Strategy to Combat Addiction and ensures that care continues even after residential treatment has concluded.”

The programme targets individuals with mild to moderate addiction who are committed to rehabilitation. By offering ongoing support in a structured setting, the FCA aims to help people maintain their recovery and reintegrate into society in a stable and positive way.

Rashid Saeed Aldhaheri, Head of the Halfway Houses Section at FCA, said recovery does not end with inpatient treatment.

“Long-term recovery requires long-term support,” he explained. “The Aftercare Service ensures individuals have the tools to manage their health, build independence, and reconnect with their families and communities.”

Delivered by a team of mental health professionals, the service follows international standards for psychological and behavioural care. Its aim is to reduce the risk of relapse and help individuals regain personal and social stability.

This new development builds on the FCA’s ongoing efforts to improve access to mental health and addiction support services in Abu Dhabi. It also reflects a growing shift towards community-based care models, recognising addiction as a long-term condition that requires continued attention.

The Aftercare Service is now fully operational and available to eligible individuals. It is part of a wider network of services provided by the FCA to enhance social well-being and deliver holistic care across the emirate.