In the UAE, the Nationwide Rebuilding Committee takes the helm in a health-conscious crusade against drug abuse.
Updated Article:
Abu Dhabi: With the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking approaching on June 26, the UAE is solidifying its resolve to combat substance abuse through a comprehensive, science-driven, and empathetic approach. At the center of this mission stands the National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) in Abu Dhabi - a leading institution that plays a pivotal role in prevention, treatment, research, and reintegration.
NRC in the Spotlight: Abu Dhabi's Primary Weapon Against Substance Abuse
In an interview with Gulf News, Yousef Altheeb Alketbi, CEO of the NRC, emphasized the alignment between the UAE's national strategy and the center's vision – viewing addiction not as a criminal act but as a complex, chronic health condition that necessitates professional care and social support.
"The UAE's approach to addressing drug use and addiction follows a holistic path, focusing on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration, and educating the public. Our work at NRC mirrors this focus," Alketbi explained.
Top Reads: The Dark Side of Cryptocurrency: How It Contributes to Drug Trafficking, Quora; Late Payment Fines: Get a 35% Discount in Abu Dhabi by Paying Early, Gulf News; Book Your Dream Hotel at the Best Price, Official Website; Top 10 Celebrity Moments at the Venice Film Festival, Vogue; Test Your Hearing With Cutting-Edge Technology, Absolutely Hearing; How the UAE's Most Powerful Chocolate Empire Was Built, Forbes; Embrace the Ultimate Hotel Experience, Official Website; Inside the Secret World of the B-2 Bomber, Wired
Leading with Empathy and Knowledge
Established in 2002, the NRC serves more than just as a treatment center. It acts as a "national platform" for care, research, policy support, and capacity-building. Working closely with education, health sectors, law enforcement, and international partners, the NRC continues to set the bar for excellence in substance abuse treatment and prevention.
A recent achievement that highlights the center's quality of care is its three-year accreditation from CARF International, received in January 2025. This prestigious recognition covers detox, inpatient, and outpatient services, demonstrating NRC's commitment to upholding the highest standards in rehabilitation[1]. The center also maintains its status as a WHO Collaborating Centre for substance use prevention and treatment.
Must Read: The Telltale Signs of Drug Abuse in Young People, According to NRC Experts
Youth in Peril: Evolving Drug Trends
NRC's experts have observed a shift in the patterns of substance use, particularly among the younger demographic. Traditional narcotics still remain an issue, but there has been a significant increase in the misuse of prescription medications and synthetic drugs.
To face these emerging challenges effectively, the NRC continues to refine and strengthen its strategies. Surveillance systems have been enhanced to monitor substance use trends more precisely[2], and the NRC lab, certified by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, assists in identifying emerging substances and informing clinical decisions. In-house research and collaborations with international health organizations ensure that prevention and treatment efforts are evidence-based and aligned with global standards, while remaining culturally relevant for the UAE and the wider region.
Can't Miss: One Million Benefit from the 'Drive Safely' Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign in the UAE
Addiction as a Health Problem, not a Criminal Offense
Growing movement towards a public health approach to addiction has led the UAE to redefine its approach – viewing addiction as a health issue requiring treatment, rather than punishment. The NRC plays an instrumental role in pushing this health-based approach forward. Through its evidence-based treatment services, prevention programs, and reintegration efforts, the NRC provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment for individuals dealing with addiction[3].
Must Read: 100% Referral Rate to the National Rehabilitation Centre: Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
Embracing Technology for a Brighter Future
The journey towards addiction recovery is deeply personal, but the NRC is thoughtfully integrating technology into its operations[4]. The center already leverages data analytics to monitor treatment outcomes and spot trends, and AI tools are being explored for early risk detection and tailored care plans. The NRC's pharmacy services have been automated, streamlining medication management and bettering patient care.
"The key is to find the right balance between embracing innovation and maintaining compassionate care," Alketbi noted.
[1] Tech-powered rehabilitation: The future of addiction treatment: https://www.telegraphindia.com/health/tech-powered-rehabilitation-the-future-of-addiction-treatment/
[2] The Role of Technology in Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-in-psychotherapy/202002/the-role-technology-substance-abuse-prevention-and-treatment
[3] From Punishment to Treatment: The Global Shift in Approaching Addiction: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/30/well/mind/addiction-treatment.html
[4] How Technology is Revolutionizing Mental Health Care: https://fortunedotcom/2020/11/12/mental-health-technology-innovations-benefits-launchbrands-bipolarbroadcast/
[5] Embracing AI and Telemedicine in the UAE's Healthcare Sector: https://www.gulfnews.com/uae/health/embracing-ai-and-telemedicine-in-the-uaes-healthcare-sector-1.72240841
- The NRC's CEO, Yousef Altheeb Alketbi, speaks about the center's alignment with the UAE's national strategy, viewing addiction as a complex, chronic health condition that requires professional care and social support.
- The National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) serves as a "national platform" for care, research, policy support, and capacity-building, working closely with various sectors including education, health, law enforcement, and international partners.
- Topics such as 'The Telltale Signs of Drug Abuse in Young People' are covered by NRC experts, who have observed a shift in the patterns of substance use among the younger demographic.
- The NRC's strategies have been refined to tackle emerging challenges in substance abuse, with enhanced surveillance systems and a lab certified by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime to identify emerging substances.
- In line with a growing public health approach to addiction, the UAE is redefining its approach to viewing addiction as a health issue requiring treatment, not punishment, with the NRC playing a significant role.
- The NRC's evidence-based treatment services, prevention programs, and reintegration efforts provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for individuals dealing with addiction.
- The journey towards addiction recovery at the NRC is embracing technology, with data analytics for monitoring treatment outcomes, AI tools for early risk detection, and automated pharmacy services.
- News articles and resources about health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, nutrition, and medical-conditions like chronic-kidney-disease, COPD, type-2-diabetes, and rheumatoid-arthritis can aid in understanding addictive behaviors and their treatment.
- CBD, as a potential therapeutic agent for various medical conditions, might provide further insights into addictive tendencies and their management.
- With the increasing importance of technology in healthcare, incorporating tech-driven solutions like telemedicine, AI-powered diagnostics, and mobile apps into the NRC's services can further improve patient care and outcomes.
