Recovered drug addicts project creativity in Aspire Exhibition

The "Arshidny" (Guide Me) drug rehabilitation center operated by Sheikh Eid Charity Association has organized a three-day plastic arts exhibition starting Tuesday for its affiliates who have recovered from addiction and a number of Qatari and resident artists, on the sidelines of the first Gulf gathering for recovered addicts at the Aspire Foundation. The exhibition showcases more than 100 works from a variety of artistic schools in addition to sculptures and Arabic calligraphy paintings. The event, held concurrently with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held on June 26 of each year, comes within the center's message not only to rehabilitate recovered addicts and integrate them to social life, but to also reveal their creative abilities, "Arshidny" General Manager Sheikh Sultan Al Otaibi told Qatar News Agency (QNA). Addicts are viewed as patients so everybody needs to help them, Al Otaibi said adding that they often reach the center by themselves and its provides them with incentives including financial assistance and debt payments. From his part, the center's Programme Director Sultan Al Osaimi pointed out the complete team treating addicts which boasts a psychiatric specialist and a religious guide. "Arshidny" is a non-profit awareness and rehabilitation center operating under the Sheikh Eid Charity Association providing consultative and training services, in addition to partnerships with local, regional, and international institutions specializing in fighting addiction. (QNA)