Latest news with #DrugPreventionForum
Al Etihad
29-06-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Drug Prevention Forum 2025 concludes in Abu Dhabi
29 June 2025 19:36 ABU DHABI (WAM)The activities of the Drug Prevention Forum (2025) concluded on Sunday. The forum, organised by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with the Anti-Narcotics Council and the General Command of Abu Dhabi Police under the slogan "A Conscious Family... A Safe Society," was held on Al Maryah Island in Abu event was attended by many community members, particularly youth and forum, which began on June 19 and lasted for 11 days, witnessed the participation of a select group of specialists and experts from government and private agencies specialising in prevention and mental health, as well as religious scholars, national service recruits, university students, and social media Drug Prevention Forum included 320 discussion sessions addressing issues of community prevention and family cohesion, in addition to 920 counseling, psychological, social, and family sessions presented by specialists in the fields of mental health and family support. 33 awareness podcast episodes were also produced, and 8,800 certificates of participation were forum featured a range of interactive activities and innovative programmes, most notably: the Drug Prevention Council, the Future Leaders Council, psychological and social counseling sessions, in addition to discussion sessions and a prevention podcast. It focused on several important topics, including strengthening the role of the family in prevention, providing support and guidance to families and youth, and the importance of effective family communication. It also focused on developing decision-making skills, supporting mental health, and promoting preventive behavior, emphasizing the impact of the social environment in shaping individual Drug Prevention Forum served as a comprehensive national platform bringing together various government agencies and community institutions. A number of national platforms and initiatives participated in the forum, reflecting the country's efforts to combat the scourge of drugs. These included the "Mukafih" platform, launched by the Ministry of Interior, which aims to raise awareness among community members about the dangers and harms of drug abuse, detect early addiction cases, report crimes, and combat addiction by calling the toll-free number (80044).The Abu Dhabi Police General Command also participated with the "Opportunity of Hope" platform, which provides addicts with the opportunity to seek treatment while maintaining complete privacy and confidentiality. The platform grants them exemption from punishment, helping them recover and return to their normal lives as productive members of Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi presented the "Halfway Homes" experience as an integrated model for supporting recovering addicts and facilitating their reintegration into forum witnessed active participation from the UAE Media Council, the Cybersecurity Council, the Public Prosecution, the UAE's police general commands, the National Rehabilitation Centre, the Family Development Foundation, and the Khalifa Empowerment Programme (Aqdar).These entities participated in discussion sessions focused on prevention, rehabilitation, and community awareness. The forum featured police dog performances from the Security Inspection Department, musical performances by the Abu Dhabi Police Military Band, and various interactive competitions. Visitors also had the opportunity to experience virtual reality and artificial intelligence technologies to simulate drug use and identify the physical and behavioral signs associated with it.
Al Etihad
25-06-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
NRC leads UAE-wide anti-drug efforts highlighting prevention, community engagement
26 June 2025 00:48 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)Hailed worldwide for its progressive stance to drug-related issues, the UAE has long been committed to combating substance abuse through wide-reaching, community-focused initiatives alongside an advanced policing and security apparatus. Leading the country's efforts on addiction prevention and treatment is the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) in Abu Dhabi. For the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day), marked annually on June 26, the NRC has rolled out a series of awareness initiatives nationwide, aiming to drive home the idea of prevention as being the most impactful way to combat drug abuse. Yousef Altheeb Alketbi, CEO of NRC, emphasised the day's significance as both a symbolic reminder and a strategic call to action. 'World Drug Day serves as a powerful reminder of the complex challenges surrounding addiction and the shared responsibility to address them through compassion, education, and evidence-based action,' Alketbi told Aletihad ahead of the occasion. 'At the NRC, this day underscores our commitment to both individuals and communities impacted by substance use. While addiction is real, so is recovery and no one should have to face it alone.'Among the flagship initiatives this year is the Drug Prevention Forum at Galleria Mall, as well as a collaboration with ADNOC, which has facilitated the display of anti-drug messages at 100 fuel stations across the country. Moreover, digital billboards at major hubs like Al Qana are reinforcing these messages, reaching thousands of residents and visitors every day.'The UAE's approach is a model of unity and shared responsibility,' said Alketbi. 'Prevention becomes most effective when it is community-driven, relevant, and inclusive; transforming awareness into meaningful action.' Supporting Long-term Healing Beyond awareness, the UAE continues to evolve in its handling of addiction and rehabilitation. There is a notable shift in public perception, with more families actively seeking help and engaging in recovery processes, Alketbi said. 'The emphasis is increasingly on holistic, family-inclusive care that reduces stigma and supports long-term healing,' he noted.'There is growing public awareness, and more individuals and families are actively engaging in recovery processes.'The NRC's rehabilitation model remains firmly rooted in evidence-based international 2024 alone, the organisation conducted over 107 awareness activities, targeting both public and private sectors under the national campaign titled 'From Prevention to Recovery.'The centre has also developed specialised training programmes for educators, enabling early detection of substance use among students. More than 60 teachers have been trained so far in 2025, with a robust follow-up mechanism to ensure continued impact.A growing area of focus for the NRC is addressing co-occurring mental health issues, especially among young people. Through digital outreach, community workshops, and life-skills programmes, the centre is hoping to empower individuals to make healthier choices and resist substance use.'Addiction is not just a health issue; it's a societal challenge that requires coordinated and compassionate solutions,' said Alketbi. 'World Drug Day helps us recommit to that vision, not just for today, but every day.'
Sharjah 24
25-06-2025
- Sharjah 24
Drug Prevention Forum continues with awareness activities
Under the patronage of Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Under the patronage of Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Captain Al Shehhi reaffirmed that the Drug Prevention Forum continues at Galleria Mall in Abu Dhabi. Forum promotes drug awareness and family safety Held under the slogan "A Conscious Family and a Safe Society," the forum seeks to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse and its effects on individuals and families. Captain Al Shehhi invited the community to participate in the forum's activities to raise awareness and contribute to building a safer society.
