Saudi Gazette report

AL-KHOBAR — Social obstacles are hampering treatment of female drug addicts, Dr. Abdulsalam Al-Shamrani, chief of the addiction treatment program and general supervisor of Al-Amal Hospital in Dammam, has said.



He said that there is an increase in female addiction when compared to male addicts.



Female drug addicts fall between the age of 20 to 35, and are influenced by their brothers, husbands, or friends.  Drug addictions is usually linked to child harassment, assault, violence, and even rape.



Al-Shamrani said that despite the complete privacy and confidentiality of treatments, according to medical laws and statutes, society still has not come to terms with female drug addicts receiving treatment in hospitals.



He said that hashish and amphetamines are the most widely used drugs between women.



He added that women addiction goes beyond her self. It can affect her baby and the way she raises her children.  This problem should be dealt with, as it contributes to an increase in crime, adultery, and terrorism, and destroys religious and social values.



Women are addicted to drugs faster than men, and they become drug dependent on lower dosages.



In addition, they are more prone to setbacks during treatment than men.



Women are also more prone to health problems than men, especially liver disease, high blood pressure, lungs diseases, depression, and nutrition issues.



Al-Shamrani added that the religious and economical status of the Kingdom made it a destination for millions of people for work, Haj and Umrah. It has become a center for various cultures and behaviors, and with that has come the influx of drugs.



The corner stone to fight this problem is prevention through educational programs. The hospital holds educational lectures on drugs, and families can asks about any medication or drugs through a toll free line.