More than 500 drug addicts recover from Dubai rehabilitation programme

the Dubai Police programme has enabled 529 Emiratis to recover from drug addiction and take an active role in society.

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An aftercare programme implemented by Dubai Police has helped more than 500 nationals recover from drug addiction since 2010.

Lt Col Dr Jumaa Sultan Al Shamsi, director of the Department of Drug Awareness and Prevention of the General Anti-Narcotics Department at Dubai Police, said that the reintegration into society of recovering addicts is an ambitious, long-term project that aims to find employment for those who have successfully gone through aftercare.

The programme is primarily based on cooperation and coordination with other agencies with a view of future employment.

Lt Col Al Shamsi said he hopes more agencies will join the initiative, and employ recovering Emirati addicts.

UAE Exchange, a participant in the programme, will train those chosen for administrative tasks prior to their placement in an administrative position.

UAE Exchange is working to help recovering addicts preserve their dignity and keep them from falling back into addiction.

Since 2010, employment has been found for 27 of 84 people who have applied for jobs through the Emirates Resources Recruitment Programme.

Lt Col Al Shamsi said the Dubai Police programme has enabled 529 Emiratis to recover from drug addiction and take an active role in society.

Participants in the programme are notified of random drug tests by text. Those who relapse are subject to legal action, with a criminal investigation and referral to public prosecution.

The number of drug addicts who have voluntary entered treatment over the past three years is 61. Sixteen were referred to the National Rehabilitation Centre for treatment and the rest were treated at the Centre of Hope.

Twenty recovering addicts performed Haj in 2012 and 2013 at a cost of Dh200,000. Their expenses were paid by the Dubai Islamic Foundation, Awqaf and Minors Affairs.

Lt Col Al Shamsi said that over the past two years, 193 recovering addicts have benefited from monthly financial aid provided by the Beit Al Khair Society, in cooperation with the General Anti-Narcotics Department.

The aid came in the form of food vouchers valued at Dh750 to Dh1,500, intended to help with economic recovery.

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