A Roadmap for Addressing Substance Abuse
The scourge of substance abuse—which has become a nightmare for countless families both nationally and internationally and is robbing young people of their futures—can only be effectively combated in our country through coordinated action by the relevant executive ministries. Education is the most important step in the fight against substance abuse. Educating both families and young people on this issue is the cornerstone of this fight.
As part of the roadmap that will enable us to successfully combat substance abuse, under the general coordination of His Excellency the President and jointly organized by the Minister of Labor, Social Services, and Family and the Minister of National Education:
- Within the scope of the duties and authorities of the Ministry of Labor, Social Services, and Family, the assignment of social workers who have received the necessary training to provide guidance to affected families on overcoming substance abuse; these specialists will both educate families on this issue and establish a database to help ensure that appropriate steps are taken by monitoring their progress
- The Ministry of National Education should educate young people about the causes and consequences of substance abuse starting at a young age and implement the necessary measures in schools to prevent substance abuse
- The Presidency of Religious Affairs aims to educate the public and families about substance abuse, inform them about its causes, and raise public awareness about preventive measures
- Ensuring that penalties imposed on substance abusers within the scope of the Ministry of Justice’s authority are structured in a way that encourages rehabilitation
- Training and raising awareness among law enforcement agencies, within the scope of the Ministry of the Interior’s authority and responsibility, to adopt a more constructive approach in their interactions with substance abusers; to inform them that the most important aspect of combating substance abuse is its prevention, and to encourage them to take law enforcement measures in line with this objective
- Within the scope of the duties and authorities of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, to provide vocational training to rehabilitated substance abusers and to ensure they are integrated into the workforce for as long as they remain substance-free, the necessary arrangements should be made to include them in the quota for people with disabilities at workplaces
- Increasing the number and capacity of centers established by the Ministry of Health for the rehabilitation of people with substance use disorders; training and raising awareness among all healthcare workers regarding substance use disorders; and ensuring that these centers are utilized more effectively
is necessary. Only through this coordination will it be possible to effectively combat this disaster.
