Anti-drug official says rehab plan helped 11,194 addicts

DAMMAM — The National Anti-Drugs Committee reported it had 11,194 participants in its rehabilitation program during the past six months, Al-Watan reported. National Anti-Drugs Committee Rehabilitation and Treatment Programs Director Ali Al-Shibani said the committee cooperates with public and private hospitals to provide medical treatment. “The committee treats all of its patients with full confidentiality. Being a drug addict has an extremely negative stigma in society that could jeopardize their acceptance in family and workplace if they knew about their addiction,” said Al-Shibani. He added if parents suspect their children may be taking drugs they should immediately contact the committee at the phone number 1955. "Confidentiality is vital for drug addicts and their family members.  Sometimes we offer consultancy over the phone and in some cases we have to have a medical interference and send the patient to a hospital,” said Al-Shibani. He added the committee has a number of experts dealing with the addicts. “Addicts are in a sensitive and fragile state of mind. It is wrong to show any antagonism or violence toward them. The addict must gain the consultant’s trust and feel safe in confiding in him. The consultant’s role is to empower the addict and make him feel like he is capable of restoring order into his life and that there is hope for him,” said Al-Shibani. He said the committee opens its hot line for all callers regardless of age. “Our patients are from a wide range of ages — from 15 to 70. Most of the patients are aged between 20 and 30. Only 10 percent of the patients are below 20 years,” said Al-Shibani. He said addicts usually start seeking comfort in drugs and alcohol. “The factors that may lead one to addiction could be family problems, peer pressure or other problems that seem too much of a burden on one to carry. The families of addicts need to be considerate and understanding,” said Al-Shibani.