Today's Edition
JUMA AL NUAIMI (ABU DHABI)
In a panel discussion organised by the National Rehabilitation Centre (NCR) on Tuesday, participants marked the "2024 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking" by calling on parents and families to maintain close supervision of their children, avoid loosening the reins, and staying informed about their friends and companions.
The panel highlighted that the impact of vigilant parenting extends beyond individual children, benefitting entire families. Unsupervised free time, they warned, could lead to severe consequences and problems.
On the occasion of World Drug Prevention Day, the panel emphasised the importance of cooperation and concerted efforts by relevant authorities and strategic partners, underscoring the critical role parents play in safeguarding their children.
Parents serve as the cornerstone for building and nurturing children, the panel said, adding that by actively monitoring their children's activities, parents can shield them from the dangers of drugs, which are often propagated by negative influences and drug promoters.
The gateway to prevention starts at home, and parents' positive values, morals, and behaviours are essential in treating drug addiction patients, the panel said, noting that these individuals often grapple with despair, depression, tension, and violence, needing social support to aid their recovery and reintegration into society.
Hammad Mohammed Al Ghafri, from the Public Prosecutor's Office in Abu Dhabi, emphasised the dynamic nature of laws in the UAE. Drug laws in the country rest on three essential pillars: punishment, education, and awareness about drugs and their associated dangers, alongside a focus on treatment, he said.
Al Ghafri highlighted the existence of both local and international legislation aimed at combating and mitigating the risks posed by drugs on society.
International agreements have been reinforced, adapting to evolving concepts related to drug prevention and control, he said, adding that the UAE has enacted laws specifically designed to address drug users.
The country's legislators actively update drug-related regulations, emphasising rehabilitation and training programmes at specialised centres to facilitate drug users' reintegration into society, he added.
Colonel Ahmed Rashid Al Shamsi, from the Directorate of Anti-Narcotics of Abu Dhabi Police, highlighted the global and cross-border nature of the drug problem.
Under the patronage of H.H. Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Chairman of the Anti-Narcotics Council, the 2024 Drug Prevention Forum took place in Dubai under the slogan "My Family. My True Wealth", aiming to reinforce the family's role as the first line of defence in protecting children from drugs.
Colonel Al Shamsi emphasised that families play a crucial role by instilling values, morals, and positive behaviours, which benefit them, their children, and society.
He also noted that the UAE has focused more on providing treatment than on the illness itself, supporting individuals in their journey back to normal life.
Drug users are categorised into addicts and users, with addiction recovery requiring diligence and effort.
The awareness aspect is essential and necessary during the treatment phase, he added, noting that legislation has been established to safeguard society from the dangers and risks associated with drugs.
Mohamed Mubarak Al Muraikhi, Director of Zayed International Airport Customs Centre, noted that all personnel and their strategic partners at various entry points work diligently to combat drug smuggling, using modern electronic devices.
Continuous training and development of national cadres are conducted, given the rising indicators and numbers of smuggling attempts by promoters, he said, adding that thanks to the wise leadership and rigorous efforts in monitoring, the UAE enjoys a safe and stable environment.
Dr. Mohammed Aljneibi, a consultant in psychiatry at the NCR, said the centre provides services to users with respect and confidentiality, aiming for excellence in treatment services, focusing on prevention, awareness, and education about addiction risks, providing treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society in cooperation with strategic partners.
He highlighted the existence of awareness programmes to curb drug abuse, offering training for workers in the field and developing scientific research programmes to achieve desired targets.
Dr. Abdullah Al Ansari, Director of Community Research, Awareness, and Public Relations at the Irada Centre for Treatment and Rehab in Dubai, highlighted the significance of personalised approaches in resolving and addressing issues.
Drawing from his experience, he discussed the centre's efforts in rehabilitating and training drug patients for recovery and successful reintegration into society.
He cited an example of a recovering individual who participated in a confidential treatment programme lasting 25 hours weekly for six months, extendable to a full year, with periodic workplace testing to facilitate their successful reintegration.
Dr. Azizah Almaghyuli, from the Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, emphasised the critical role of healthcare institutions in defining addiction – a chronic, relapsing disease that affects the brain, with far-reaching psychological, personal, and social consequences.
Dr. Almaghyuli urged society to recognise the dangers of addiction, highlighting abnormal behaviours exhibited by addicts and the associated depression resulting from drug use and negative social interactions.
Furthermore, she stressed the need to identify the causes and symptoms of addiction and develop a comprehensive social-psychological treatment model.
While addicts may experience temporary relief through drug use, it ultimately leads to psychological distress and a loss of self-control, she added.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Almaghyuli underscored that addiction often serves as a coping mechanism for painful memories and ongoing nightmares, with studies revealing that addicts frequently lack responsibility for their actions due to a loss of control.
Viewing addiction as a disease, she emphasised the importance of supporting users as patients during their recovery journey, advocating for accurate diagnosis and a positive treatment approach.
