Saturday 10 April 2010
ADP intends to send drug addicts to the NRC
ADP intends to to transfer drug addicts who have served their jail terms to the National Rehabilitation Center to follow up their cases as part of post-jail care programme, said Lt. Colonel Sultan Suwaih Al Darmaki,, Head of Anti-Narcotics Section at Abu Dhabi Police. A scheme of MoU between the Center and ADP is being prepared in this regard.
Dr. Hamad Al Ghafri, Director general of the Center said "The follow up period of addicts has been reduced from two years to six months for the patient to get Criminal Clearance Certificate, provided the addict receives a positive medical report from the Center. This is considered a good step due to cooperation between the Center and Anti-Narcotics Section. It is the first of its type in the Middle East. The Center will open an out patient clinic to follow up the cases of those who have completed their term of imprisonment".
"There are no addiction cases among women and juveniles according to studies and demographic surveys. There is no real problem of addiction. 85% of arrested individuals are unemployed and there are no nests for narcotics addicts ", added Lt. Colonel Al Darmaki.
The UAE is keen to remain clean of drugs poisons despite the large numbers of drugs smugglers who visit the country to spread their poisons. The phenomenon is well under security control.
According to UN's reports the size of drugs trade is around USD 350 billion annually. The numbers of addicts reach 185 million people. The narcotic drugs spread over 170 countries. These horrible figures require us as security men to double our efforts to combat the phenomenon and to cooperate at regional and international levels.
Families and community have a role to play in encountering this problem as they are responsible for upbringing and behavior directing. The Center adopts an integrated practical programme lasts for three months, whether internally or externally. During this period the patient family participates in patient treatment programme. Psychological problems, if any, will be attended to.
The Ceneter since its establishment has received 340 cases including drugs and alcohol addiction. It also receives cases referred by judicial authorities. The treatment team makes a working plan for each patient in accordance with his circumstances e.g. psychological, medical, social or financial status. The team comprises psychiatrists, social workers and public relations officers. During rehabilitation stage the patient condition is reviewed. When he meets treatment requirements he will be given gradual treatment holidays during week ends after one and a half month of treatment.
The patient are given opportunity to integrate again into the society or given training programmes at his work place. Agreements have been concluded with some government institutions such as Emirates Academy to provide specialized training and education. The programme covers from 5 to 7 persons from theoretical to practical training.
Cured Addict Project
The Center intends to prepare an integrated scientific programme to start qualifying the cured addict includes medical, psychological and social aspects of those concerned. The first cured addict was sent to Cairo and he completed his training successfully and returned to the country and joined work at the Center.