U.A.E. presents its experience in combatting substance abuse and addiction at Bahrain’s Conference for Drug Enforcement Administration

Abu Dhabi (WAM): The National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) took part in the first Conference for Drug Enforcement Administration held recently in Bahrain. The conference centred on the theme: "Drugs and Security Challenges International Control of Precursors and Essential Chemicals". NRC's Director General, Dr. Anas Fikri, General Physician and Senior Researcher at NRC, presented a work paper on the most advanced prevention and treatment methods and the experience of NRC in substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation and prevention. During his participation, Dr. Fikri emphasised the importance of demonstrating the current situation related to drug abuse. He mentioned that according to the World Health Organisation s (WHO) report on Drugs and Alcohol Abuse, the percentage of drug abusers between the ages of 15 and 64 from 2005-2010 globally range from 3.4% to 6.6%. The report also states that drug abuse causes one death out of each 100 deaths in the world. Dr. Fikri also explained the evolving nature of narcotic substances around the world. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the number of new types of psychotropic substances increased by more than 50% from the 166 in 2009 to 251 by mid-2012. Studies and statistics conducted by NRC showed that 40% of its patients are aged between 20-29 years, with approximately 25% between the ages of 30-39 years. Officials from NRC commented that taking part in this conference helped demonstrate the U.A.E. s experience in combatting substance abuse and addiction. The centre showcased its treatment, rehabilitation and prevention services in addition to its scientific research role, including the release of the Middle East s first scientific journal of addiction science and medicine. – Emirates News Agency, WAM