Drug addiction requires professional treatment to save the life of a person who may descend into death, prison, or develop a chronic mental disorder; However, drug addiction treatment is a complex but simple topic if the right and effective steps are followed, as there are several treatment protocols, and the best ways to treat an individual who struggles with drug addiction depends on the type and severity of his addiction…. We turn to the initiative of the Ministry of Health in that direction:
Treatment of drug addiction and the clear efforts of the Ministry of Health
We see these efforts evident in the public health initiatives and visits to addiction centers and mental health hospitals conducted by the Minister of Health and Population, accompanied by her assistant, and the purpose of which was to learn about the workflow in these centers and hospitals and to inspect the level of medical service granted to patients.
According to Assistant Minister Dr. Khaled Megahed, she inspected the departments of the Airport Hospital – Mental Health Hospital – located in Heliopolis, which is one of the largest addiction treatment centers in Egypt as a whole; The hospital only provided treatment services during 2019 to 7,882 psychiatric patients, and 20,523 cases of addiction; The Minister had exchanged conversations with a number of drug addiction recoverers, expressing her admiration for their desire to recover and return to life again.
International protocols related to drug addiction treatment
In turn, the Minister stressed the need to follow international protocols related to the treatment of drug addiction, especially the new ones nominated by the World Health Organization, which include:
Recording all the treatment steps that the patient undergoes from the moment he enters the treatment center until he leaves.
Relying on simple, targeted and focused patient education.
Using the latest methods and methods in the world of psychiatry in general and the latest in the treatment of drug addiction in particular.
Leaving the traditional methods aside, as they do not achieve any tangible results, besides consuming a lot of time and effort without making noticeable changes.
Follow-up of cases that have recovered from addiction after leaving the center or hospital based on treatment so that they do not return to use again.
Creating an atmosphere of clear cooperation between civil society organizations and all state governmental and private institutions.
Providing good training and technical support for drug addiction treatment centers and hospitals throughout the country.
Providing a greater number of psychologists within drug addiction treatment centers.
Periodic and comprehensive examination of those who suffer from drug abuse.
Ensure that patients are treated for any diseases they suffer from, especially the C virus.
Not limiting attention to treatment centers located in Cairo and major governorates only.
Paying attention to centers located in Upper Egypt and remote areas in general, to mix them with the work of the updated protocols.
Tracking and communicating as much as possible with the recovering
Conducting psychological and training workshops for drug addicts and recoverers so that they are able to enter the labor market and lead their lives normally.
Psychological workshops will motivate them to recover and force them not to go back to using drugs again.
Broadcasting programs and disseminating the means to see the addict or the recovering person as a natural person who deserves another chance in life.
We must look at the recovering addict well and support him in his journey from a burden on society to a productive and working force.
Follow the recovering person and communicate with him as much as possible, so that he is not left alone without a treatment guide, so that he does not relapse and fall into the cycle of abuse again.
