Dubai: Alcohol abuse among hardest to treat, expert says
The multi-agency initiative, held across key shopping malls in the city, focuses on early detection, stigma reduction, and expanding access to treatment for vulnerable groups.
More than 600,000 people engaged with the campaign at Dubai Hills Mall alone last year, with thousands more reached through activations at Mirdif City Centre, BurJuman, and Reef Mall. The outreach effort brought together Dubai Customs, the State Security Service, Dubai Health, mental health hospitals, and frontline rehabilitation centres to confront what officials called a growing public health challenge.
'Addiction doesn't discriminate,' said Brigadier General Dr Abdul Rahman Sharaf Al-Maamari, Director of the International Protection Center, General Department of Narcotics Control, Dubai Police.
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'It affects workers, students, parents, and even visitors. That's why coordinated national action, including awareness and secure rehabilitation pathways, is so important.' Among the most difficult cases discussed were those involving mothers struggling with substance abuse. Authorities highlighted the challenges of identifying such vulnerable individuals and ensuring treatment without added trauma.
'We are not just focusing on arrests, but on awareness, early intervention, and coordinated care,' he added. 'Finding the right place and establishing a strong protocol for addiction cases, especially when children are involved, is a national priority.'
The campaign included interactive workshops, remote lectures, public consultations, and creative competitions targeting different community groups, from school and university students to employees, domestic workers, and airport arrivals.
In 2024 alone, Dubai Hills Mall recorded over 619,724 campaign beneficiaries, while Mirdif City Centre and Dubai Mall jointly engaged 14,567 participants. These figures, released by the General Department of Narcotics Control, reflect a growing public interest in education around addiction and mental health.
Treatment centers like Erada and Al Amal Hospital for Mental Health have been central to this year's awareness efforts. They have also seen a rise in individuals seeking help, often thanks to family involvement.
'Stigma around addiction is slowly decreasing, and that's encouraging,' said Dr Ammar Hamid Al Banna, Director of Al Amal Hospital. 'More families are stepping forward early, which helps us provide timely support and reduce long-term harm.'
He added that alcohol remains one of the hardest substances to treat, not only because of its accessibility but also due to the deadly withdrawal symptoms when not managed medically. Opiates and stimulants also remain prevalent in addiction cases reported to hospitals and clinics.
Erada Center, one of the UAE's leading rehabilitation hubs, reported a 43 per cent success rate in treated cases. 'At Erada, our 43 per cent success rate reflects how targeted treatment and community support can change lives,' said a spokesperson for the centre. 'But it's a journey, not a one-time intervention.' Dubai Customs also reiterated its evolving role in combating addiction beyond seizures and inspections.
'Frontline agencies like ours play a key role in early detection,' said a senior Customs representative. 'But beyond seizures, we are now part of a larger effort to support treatment and reintegration.' This year's campaign didn't just aim to raise awareness, but to actively involve the public in shaping future initiatives. Community members were invited to contribute ideas, ask questions, and access on-the-spot consultations, making prevention and recovery a shared responsibility.
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