Addiction is the most serious problem facing Egyptian society. The psychological, moral, physical, social and economic effects of this problem are very dangerous for our children, threatening their future. Addiction damages Egypt's wealth, represented in the country's youth, as well as violating human rights. It prevents people living healthily and creatively. Drugs, which are responsible for violence, murder, theft and prostitution, are a problem that must be sincerely and seriously addressed. The concerned institutions and people, such as the National Council for Sport, the media, the police, Al-Azhar, education officials, sociologists, psychiatrists, legal experts, physicians and MPs, should make a concerted effort to rid our streets of this invidious evil. The Shura Council's Health and Population Committee recently discussed the problem of addiction in Egypt. Dr Moustafa Shaheen, a professor of psychiatry, said the community and national security must do something to resolve the abuse of drugs, which consume up to 15 per cent of the national income. He stressed that addiction is often the result of unemployment and family disintegration, while many of the nation's schools are dens for drug addiction and abuse. Shaheen wants the Government to help him. “Addicts are not in control of what they are doing, taking or using, which is why addiction is so harmful," says Dr Atef Aboud, who works at Ahmed Maher Educational Hospital. “When a person is addicted to a substance, such as drugs or alcohol, they are not able to control the use of that substance. They continue using it, even though it may harm them." According to Dr Aboud, the reasons for addiction vary from patient to patient, but often they have suffered from domestic cruelty and other bitter experiences. In many cases, bad friends introduce them to the drugs which offer them a temporary escape from their problems. “I am worn out. I've worked so hard to bring up my three children on my own and put them through school and university," a widow called Um Ali told The Egyptian Gazette. “My youngest son, Hussein, is a fourth-year law student. He was very polite and religious, but suddenly he turned very violent. He also became very thin. I only realised that he was addicted to drugs, when he stole my money," she said hopelessly. “I took him to a private hospital in el-Moqattam for treatment. I was too ashamed to tell the rest of our family." Many youngsters first take drugs, when their so-called friends ‘kindly' give them some for free. “I was sitting with my friends in their flat. They gave me some powder on a piece of foil and told me to snort it, as it would help me concentrate on my exam revision," Ihab Gabra told the same newspaper. “Within a few months, I'd lost my good health and had been kicked out of college. I couldn't find a job, so I had to start stealing to pay for my drugs. Before long, I found myself in a prison cell," added Gabra, who's been behind bars for the past three years. According to a study prepared by staff at the Dr Adel Sidky Psychiatric Hospital, there are about 20,000 addicts receiving treatment in Egypt, while perhaps another 10,000 have started treatment before abandoning it. Doctors at the hospital stress that they start with psychotherapy then give the addicts medical treatment. This hospital has helped many young people kick drugs, but one experienced doctor says that there's no such thing as a completely cured addict.
