Topic:
Country: United Arab Emirates
Delegate Name: Allison Edwards
Around the world, 70 percent of drug-related deaths are due to opioids. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), primary opioid use represents 27% to 40% of total substance use, which the UAE aims to lower. The United Arab Emirates has a zero-tolerance policy for recreational drug use and possession without a prescription is a criminal offense. The UAE is committed to lessening opioid use in many different ways, legally, and medically, and lessening the accessibility of these substances.
The UAE is implementing many surgeries regarding opioid use disorders. This can be particularly tough for our nation. Our geographical location is a transporting country for many opioids. Hesham Farouk Elarabi, a consultant at the national rehabilitation center in the UAE is working alongside the World Health Organization Collaborative center on this pervasive issue.
Our nation strongly affirms that familial ties are an essential part of combating the issue of opioids. Treatment centers (such as the Nation Rehabilitation Center), provided familial counseling to lessen the strain that opioids took on families and relatives. We urge countries to adopt this policy.
The National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) was founded in 2002 and provides inpatient and outpatient treatment along with a team of mental health professionals. If those who are struggling with addiction seek help at the NRC, they will not be charged with possession of opioids or illegal drugs on their first offense.
Finally, the UAE has enacted legislation such as coverage of basic healthcare, good samaritan laws, and lessening prison sentences for illicit substances. We urge all countries to make legislation, plant rehabilitation centers, and familial counseling to help eradicate this pervasive and deadly issue.
