Drug addicts can now take 'smart' route to seek help in UAE

Now, drug addicts can seek treatment and guidance online through their mobile phones, thanks to a new smart service rolled out by the Abu Dhabi Police on Wednesday.
The digital service - 'Opportunity of Hope' - for drug prevention was launched at a virtual Press conference, in cooperation with the National Rehabilitation Centre and the Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs. It can be accessed via the Abu Dhabi Police's website or smart app.
The service will help provide treatment to drug users and addicts in a way that ensures total confidentiality.
De-addiction chance
Colonel Taher Gharib Al Dhaheri, director of the anti-narcotics department at Abu Dhabi Police, said: "The digital service is aimed at providing treatment and educational and guidance materials about the dangers of drugs and how addicts can quit the habit."
He added: "It gives opportunity to drug addicts to apply for treatment services electronically. The treatment services are provided in coordination with the National Rehabilitation Centre and the Zayed Foundation for People of Determination." Al Dhaheri pointed out that the service will also have provision for educational materials in sign language.
Al Dhaheri noted that the new initiative offers a chance to addicts to go for treatment without being prosecuted, which is in accordance with Article 43 of Federal Law No. (8) of 2016. The law states that criminal charges can not be imposed on drug users or addicts if they turn themselves in to authorities or their spouses or relatives to seek addiction treatment.
The officer stressed the importance of joint efforts of the society, civil and institutional entities to combat drug abuse and help addicts get treatment by spreading awareness about its fallout.
Positive message
Hamad Abdullah Al Ghaferi, director-general of the National Rehabilitation Centre, said it was good thing that the community communicates a positive message to addicts and gives them hope that they can change into better persons if they get treatment to quit the habit.
He pointed out that the treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare programmes ensure full recovery of addicts with low relapse rates ((people returning to substance use after treatment) and high success rates.
Al Ghaferi explained that the National Rehabilitation Centre's statistics on the addiction treatment have showed a decrease in the rate of relapse to 47 per cent, compared to 65 per cent globally and a high success rate of 43 per cent compared to 20 per cent globally.
Addicts can also call the centre via 8002252 and request for treatment services.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com 

• Abu Dhabi