‘Drastic changes take place in drug addict’s behavior’

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 24: Media nowadays, where nations have become much more closer, play a main role in promoting awareness of drastic issues emanating from addiction to drugs. The media outlets in modern times are a powerful means that affect communities; effective not only in combating narcotics but also in fighting all kinds of crimes and negative phenomena that threaten societies, said Dr. Hussein Ibrahim, the information professor at Kuwait University in an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). Ethics of the profession dictate promoting awareness of the hazards caused by all kinds of addiction, he said, noting that the addictive materials affect not only the addicted but also people close to him (her), namely the family. Digital media in particular can play a major role in this respect, he said, adding that this realm is the most effective means in fighting drugs due to their spread particularly among the youth, many of whom are prone to be addicted.

However, he cautioned that not all media outlets can play the required role in this regard, also underscoring the need that the involved staff must have sufficient education and knowledge to address the appropriate messages to the public. Dr. Ibrahim urged relevant associations and entities to employ experienced media personnel to form the appropriate messages against the narcotics, indicating that age categories should be taken into consideration in publicity. The media is the frontline, after the family, in the education against drugs, Dr. Ibrahim said without neglecting role of schools, colleges and sport clubs, cautioning that shopping malls are some of the places where teenagers mingle and may acquire some of the bad habits from each others. Mona Al-Yatama, a consultant for treating addiction, told KUNA that in the past, the media role at this level was largely limited however addiction was on a small scale too.

She advised against soliciting advice from the inexperienced personnel, considering that this issue is quite intricate. Al-Yatama advised stakeholders to abstain from addressing direct advices to the addicted for many tend to reply negatively. Advising families and parents, he noted that the youngsters, when falling prey to drugs, tend to change friends, ask for money recurrently, manifest unstable mood, lose weight, fail to show up at work and school.

West Bank
The number of Palestinians addicted to drugs is mounting in the West Bank despite noticeable efforts by public and private institutions to fight the threat. A national strategy against the narcotics is drawn up every five years to ensure counter action against the peril, said Dr. Saed Belbisi, the director of alternative treatment at the Palestinian Ministry of Health in an interview with KUNA.

The fresh strategy, valid until 2028, has been worked out, including plans to treat the afflicted, provide medicines, psychological and social aid, Dr. Al-Belbisi said, adding that the five-year plan envisages enhancing public awareness of the danger particularly among the youth in addition to addressing cases of domestic violence caused by addicted husbands. The national treatment center, that operates under auspices of the ministry of health, provides daily and 24-hour care for some extreme cases, he said, underscoring prime role of the opioids treatment center -- the first of its KIND in Palestine and the third at the Arab level, with Qatar and the UAE. Abdullah Al-Elaiwi, the chief of the anti-drugs department in the police, affirmed that the squad has been combating activities by dealers, despite hurdles such as the Israeli occupation forces that obstruct free movement for the Palestinian forces.

Since 2015, authorities have been trying to stop the planting of drugs-generating plants in houses and green houses. Afaf Rabie, a consultant, alluded spread of drugs to soaring unemployment, living difficulties within families and the Israeli-controlled boundaries and constraints. She has accused the Israeli occupation of facilitating Palestinian youth access to narcotics and expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the Palestinians’ efforts against the hazard. By Fawaz Al-Otaibi & Nojoud Al-Qassem (KUNA)