More addicts actively seeking treatment

The number of people seeking help in overcoming substance abuse has increased considerably, showing a "positive change" in society's attitude towards the problem, a senior official told Gulf News Wednesday. The increase in the number of phone calls received at the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) in Abu Dhabi points to a change in attitude owing to increased awareness, Dr Hamad Al Gaferi, NRC Director-General, said. The NRC is the national body that oversees the rehabilitation and treatment of drug addiction. Dr Gaferi said people now realise that addiction is a problem that requires immediate help to overcome it. He was speaking on the sidelines of a press conference at the centre yesterday to announce a joint campaign with the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The three-phase campaign for partners and stakeholders will begin with a workshop today in the capital for all parties involved in the fight against drug addiction, including government and quasi-government establishments. The NRC is responsible for alleviating the damaging effects of substance abuse on the individual, families and society as a whole. It also oversees treatment and rehabilitation services in line with internationally-acclaimed medical standards. The number of monthly telephone enquiries at the NRC shot up from 35 in the fourth quarter of 2009 to 130 in the same quarter of 2010. The centre's outpatient clinic, launched in mid-2010, receives an average of 450 visits each month. About 450 patients have been admitted to the centre since May 2002. The facility has been expanded to 44 beds from 30 in 2009 with 100 per cent occupancy. The rate of success in rehabilitation is over 40 per cent locally, while the international success rate is between 35 per cent and 40 per cent. From / Gulf News