The National Anti-Drug Campaign promotes the concepts of community cooperation to eradicate the scourge
Abu Dhabi, 6 July / WAM / The stage of recovery from addiction constitutes one of the most important stages in the life of someone who previously fell into the drug trap, and a fundamental and fateful shift towards self-recovery and building a new, more stable life, away from the clutches of the scourge and the psychological, physical and social damage it imposes on the addict. While the decision to stop using, despite its courage and importance, does not mean an immediate move to the circle of safety from the specter of a return to addiction, but rather must be subject to diligent follow-up, patience and determination. Continuous so that weakness does not creep into the soul and the recovering person returns to the circle of affliction.
To achieve this goal, the UAE has paid special attention to those recovering from the scourge of drug addiction, through the establishment of many physical and psychological treatment and rehabilitation units and programmes, which aim to reduce the possibility of returning to addiction, with complete confidentiality of information and data of those recovering as guaranteed by law to ensure that they are not exposed to social stigma that may push them to relapse, and follow-up and aftercare programs that include aftercare plans and social and functional reintegration, which work to monitor their condition and provide psychological and social support to prevent any relapse. In addition to preventive support services to provide early consultations and assistance in guiding those recovering and their families, as well as exemption from criminal lawsuits against the abuser if he comes forward on his own or at the request of one of his relatives requesting treatment before he is caught.
Rehabilitation centers are keen to develop special programs to prevent relapse that provide services at the biological, psychological, social and spiritual levels, and to ensure that those recovering from addiction gain the awareness necessary for personal development and change, in addition to developing practical and meaningful relationships with the outside world.
The national anti-drug campaign comes under the slogan: “Uniting ranks to eradicate the scourge,” which was launched by the National Anti-Narcotics Agency, in cooperation with the UAE Government Media Office, within the framework of the country’s comprehensive strategic vision aimed at protecting society and preserving its national gains, out of its belief that combating drugs is not the responsibility of one party, but rather a shared national and societal responsibility, requiring awareness, solidarity, and cooperation from all.
Despite the fear and caution of falling into the trap of relapse after starting the journey of recovery from addiction, relapse in itself does not necessarily mean failure or the loss of all previous efforts. Rather, someone who has given up drugs may be exposed to it on an exceptional basis as a result of psychological, social, or emotional pressures that he may face at some stage in the initial recovery phase.
A person may go through moments of weakness and sadness, or some situations bring up memories of the past and push him to search for quick ways to escape from the pain that he was accustomed to during the addiction stage. Therefore, it must be emphasized that true recovery is not limited to abstaining from drugs, but rather he must learn new skills in dealing with feelings and daily difficulties in a healthy and balanced way, and for the recovering person to constantly recall the fundamental reasons that led him to make the courageous decision to change, while looking at the great positives that the recovery stage brings through the return of warmth to family relationships. Restoring the individual’s self-confidence and ability to achieve his goals, and the certainty that every day that passes without taking drugs is a new achievement that demonstrates the strength of will, determination, and the courage to challenge.
Periodic examination is one of the most important safety elements to protect the recovering person from the risk of vulnerability to returning to the addiction trap. Despite its strictness on the legal and procedural level, it keeps the recovering person within the circle of trust that society has granted him. Periodic examination gives the recovering person an opportunity to check on his progress and continue on the right path. It also enhances his sense of responsibility towards himself and his future, and represents a means of support and follow-up, not monitoring or punishment. The positive results of successive examinations also give the recovering person a boost of confidence and pride in his achievements.
In addition, specialists in treatment and rehabilitation programs emphasize the necessity of filling the free time of those recovering from drug abuse with purposeful and useful things and encouraging them to engage in community participation, visits, and participation in some sports clubs that make their outlook on life optimistic.
World Health Organization studies show that integrating recoveries into sports clubs, community activities, and occupying their free time reduces the chances of relapse by up to 35%, compared to recoveries who suffer from social isolation or leisure.
The keenness of those close to the recovered person to contain him and form new habits for him makes him a permanent healthy person in his community, while calling on families to strengthen the role of supervision and attention to the recovered patients, providing care for them, dialogue based on trust and understanding, providing support by participating with them in purposeful sports and community activities, and urging them to read, learn, and adopt positive, good habits that enable them to think seriously about rebuilding themselves amidst the attention of family and relatives, so that the addict emerges from the recovery stage in a way that actually enables him not to return. to drugs and be psychologically and physically qualified to start a new life.
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