JEDDAH: A leading drug rehabilitation center in Jeddah dealt with around 35,000 drug addicts last year. This was revealed by Dr. Mohammed Shawoosh, general supervisor for programs at Jeddah’s Al-Amal Hospital.
Speaking to Arab News, Shawoosh said the problem of drug abuse was increasing. “Drug dealers use all sorts of ways to smuggle drugs into the Kingdom. In spite of that, law enforcement bodies, including the Anti-Drug Directorate, the Border Guard and Saudi Customs, are working to control the situation,” he added.
Shawoosh said the hospital has adopted a policy of prevention and raising awareness using methods that appeal to the youth, rather than old-fashioned lectures. “We are training students to create awareness among other students. We are also working on training student supervisors at schools,” he said.
Jeddah’s Al-Amal Hospital has 200 beds and it adheres to a policy of not turning down patients, even canceling appointments, to ensure that they are provided with help straight away. “Not all patients need to be admitted. It depends on the severity of the case. Some cases are urgent and are given priority,” said Shawoosh.
The hospital has 15 beds reserved for emergency cases. “Most cases we receive are severe and advanced. Some of these people have been addicts for five to 10 years. Their lives have been destroyed in all ways — physically, psychologically, socially and vocationally. They come after they are left with no other choice,” he said.
Patients go through many stages starting with detoxification, which is mandatory, to other stages of rehabilitation, which are optional.
Some patients come through the secure ward and are referred by the Anti-Drugs Directorate or police. Some admit themselves or are admitted by their families; such patients form 70 percent of addicts that the rehabilitation center deals with.
The hospital also runs day care programs that patients can attend five days a week.
