Drug and alcohol addiction wreaks havoc on individuals, families and communities worldwide and has wider ramifications for public health, disease burden, and economies.
The Middle East is not spared; there is a quiet and hidden epidemic in the region. Despite a long tradition of conservative values and religious and legal prohibitions against intoxicants, alcohol and substance dependency in Middle Eastern countries is on the rise.
Here, we discuss the escalation of addiction problems in the Middle East and explore the culturally sensitive aspects of treatment delivery. How do people in the Middle East access treatment?
Things to know about addiction in the Middle East
Limited data and a continuing lack of research regarding drug and alcohol dependency in the Middle East make it hard to know the full extent of the problem. However, small pockets of research do shed some light and give a reasonably good indication that addiction in the Middle East has escalated significantly in recent years.
“Research over the years has demonstrated that despite cultural, religious and legal constraints, alcohol and substance dependence (ASD) is on the rise among Muslim Arabs in Islamic nations such as Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.”[1]
Misuse of over the counter (OTC) drugs is also problematic. Research shows OTC drug use in Saudia Arabia, for example, is high.[2] A review of literature relating to self‐medication misuse in the Middle East has found it to be a massive problem.[3]
Ongoing conflicts in some areas of the region present a precarious situation, causing higher-than-usual levels of depression and anxiety among affected populations. In addition, there are economic and structural barriers and public and familial stigmas, which can prevent the seeking of help for mental healthcare.[4]
We know from research that substance use disorders are associated with high levels of anxiety and depression.[5] It is therefore unsurprising, for example, to see an alarmingly high prevalence of high-risk drug use among Palestinian males.[6]
Syria presents double-edged problems. A report by MedGlobal paints a stark picture of the experiences of drug abuse and prescription medication addiction among Syrians.[7] A surge in drug and alcohol abuse, as well as other addictive behaviours, is more common in those suffering trauma; drugs and alcohol are used recreationally as a way to escape from reality.
The Syrian war resulted in a broader drug problem, with narcotics being sold to buy weapons. For example, the war created a new market for counterfeit Captagon tablets made from a mix of amphetamines and caffeine.[8]
Coping with Addiction in the Middle East
With alcohol and recreational drugs banned in many countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE, those who have an addiction face much more than just the physical and mental burdens of their illness; they face stigma, fear, and the threat of severe legal penalties.
Because the use of alcohol and drugs is shrouded in cultural taboos and legal restrictions, it makes addiction an uncomfortable topic for discussion.
Significantly, alcohol and substance abuse issues are rarely acknowledged by the person with the problem or by friends and family. It is especially difficult for people from strictly religious backgrounds and also for women to confide in someone and seek help.
Not helping the matter is the general view of alcohol addiction and drug abuse as a ‘bad habit’ rather than a disease. Draconian policies in many countries are still deemed sufficient to control the problem. Hence, developing national policies to address the issue is non-existent or slow. Unfortunately, prevention strategies and treatment interventions are low on the political agenda in this part of the world.
Sadly, this means that, all too often, addiction thrives behind closed doors. Seeking treatment is difficult, partly due to the prohibitions and regulations but also because of a distinct lack of local rehab treatment facilities. Even when private treatment centres are set up in Middle Eastern countries, people are wary of attending them, fearing the consequences of revealing themselves and their problems.
Kicking the habit in this part of the world is incredibly challenging, with addictions hidden behind a wall of shame. Those families who are aware of and are trying to support a person with an addiction within their close-knit circle don’t know where to turn.
The fear of being ostracised or punished pushes people to suffer in silence.
That said, there has been some movement. In recent years, there has been greater leniency towards dependent individuals in some areas. Take alcohol and substance dependence in the UAE as an example: “In 2021, the laws changed, providing a second chance for first-time offenders and averting prison sentences; dependent individuals who voluntarily present themselves and those reported by family members receive rehabilitation instead of prosecutions.”[9]
The elite world of high-net-worth individuals is not immune from the dark struggle with addiction. People with huge wealth grapple with pressures, expectations, unique stressors and family pressures. At the same time, the absence of financial constraints makes access to high-quality alcohol and substances easy.
Seeking help: The Moment of Realisation
For many people, recognising they have an addiction isn’t easy. The slide into addiction is often subtle. It can be hard to pinpoint when things have gone too far. It’s even harder to admit there’s a problem in a culture where alcohol and drug use carries penalties and stigma.
However, ultimately, seeking support is the only real way out. Addictions invariably take a firm hold, and dependency can be impossible to overcome without professional help.
Reclaiming life from the grip of addiction starts with admitting there’s a problem. Addiction is treatable, but it takes the right kind of care from people who understand it, and for those in the Middle East, a deep understanding of the additional cultural pressures a person is experiencing.
Why many Middle Easterners prefer to seek treatment abroad
Because alcohol and drug abuse are still taboo in many Middle Eastern countries, and because of the legal repercussions, people prefer to keep their dependency problems under wraps. For those who can afford it, seeking treatment for drug and alcohol addiction abroad offers anonymity and enables a person to keep their addiction problem and road to recovery private.
Why NEOVIVA in Switzerland offers a discreet path to addiction recovery
NEOVIVA, a leading addiction recovery centre in Switzerland, offers more than just a place to heal; it provides hope in a serene, discreet, and luxurious environment.
Set on the picturesque shores of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps, NEOVIVA provides cutting-edge medical treatment and a highly private setting that fosters emotional healing.
The beauty and peace of the Swiss landscape create an ideal space to reset, away from the pressures of everyday life, particularly for those living under the watchful eyes of strict Middle Eastern societies.
At NEOVIVA, privacy is paramount. The facility, cleverly housed in a luxurious hotel, ensures total anonymity. There is no signage to indicate that a rehabilitation clinic even exists within its walls, making it a safe haven for individuals seeking recovery far from the judgment and repercussions they might face at home.
Please get in touch to find out more about NEOVIVA’s unique residential addiction programmes and how we can help you. We respect and prioritise your privacy and handle all conversations and enquiries with the utmost discretion.
References:
[1] Fouché A, et al. Alcohol and substance dependence in the United Arab Emirates: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open. 2023 May 9;13(5):e071208.
[2] Mobrad, A.M, et al. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Regarding Drug Abuse and Misuse among Community Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 1334.
[3] Khalifeh M.M., Moore ND, & Salameh PR. Self-medication misuse in the Middle East: a systematic literature review. Pharmacol Res Perspect. 2017 Aug;5(4):e00323.
[4] Elshamy F, Hamadeh A, Billings J, Alyafei A. Mental illness and help-seeking behaviours among Middle Eastern cultures: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative data. PLoS One. 2023 Oct 26;18(10).
[5] Mohamed, I.I., et al. Assessment of anxiety and depression among substance use disorder patients: a case-control study. Middle East Curr Psychiatry 27, 22 (2020).
[6] Massad S, et al. Alarmingly high prevalence of high-risk drug use among palestinian males: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry. 2023 Sep 26;23(1):700.
[7] Sahloul, Z.A., et al. 2022. Under the Surface: A Decade of Conflict and the Drug Use Epidemic Inside Syria. MedGlobal.
[8] Abazid, H. (2022). Drug Abuse in the Middle East. In: Patel, V.B., Preedy, V.R. (eds) Handbook of Substance Misuse and Addictions. Springer, Cham.
[9] Fouché A, et al. Alcohol and substance dependence in the United Arab Emirates: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open. 2023 May 9;13(5):e071208. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071208. PMID: 37160389; PMCID: PMC10174018.
0 Comments