Muscat - An expert has called for more rehabilitation centres for patients dealing with drug addiction across the sultanate.
At present, Al Masara Hospital in Amerat is the only place that offers drug rehabilitation in the country.
Al Buthaina Salim, a social worker at the Al Masara Hospital, said, "We ask patients to continue with their treatment, but we don't have everything needed for that purpose. For example, we don't have proper drug rehabilitation centres where patients can stay long enough."
She also added, "If patients decide to no longer receive their treatment, we don't have the authority to keep them in the hospital. It is important to note that drug addiction shouldn't be considered a disease, and drug rehabilitation centres need to have their own specific rules to keep patients for longer periods to help them get over drug addiction."
A centre dedicated solely for drug addiction not only offers patients the opportunity to fight the temptation, but it also helps them reintegrate with the society.
Dr Amira Abdul Mohsin al Raaidan, CEO, Al Hayat Association, said, "Drug rehabilitation centres teach patients how to overcome negative thoughts and improve their skills in fighting temptation.
What we need now is to have several drug rehabilitation centres in different parts of the sultanate."
"Prevention is better than cure," she added, saying that authorities should take steps to combat sale of smokeless tobacco, which is widespread. "You can easily get them. Once a person gets used to them, they might start looking for something more strong and end up with drugs."
When asked about the social factors that affect treatment, she said, "Drug addicts need time to regain the trust of their families and society. To encourage them, we should make them feel they are patients and not wrongdoers or criminals. This will encourage them to listen to our advice."
© Muscat Daily 2013
