Specific Treatment
Cause of Drug Addiction
Addiction & The Middle East
Stages of Drug Addiction
Method of Treating Drug Addiction
Middle East Addiction Rehab Blog
Please read more about Addiction, Rehab and treatment for drug and alcohol in our blog.
Addiction Rehabilitation For Omanis
The government of Oman is very judicious in making plans for Omanis to recover from addiction. Yet, many Omani addicts do not seek treatment, but leave it due to shame. According to the National U.A.E., Ali Al Khusaibi a reformed addict added some reality to why this is so. He refuses to expose his family because as he said, "..you bring shame to your family if you admit to using drugs." He added that he knows the stigma is something that needs to change in his country. Hence, it's realistic to expect Omani addicts to either deny the problem or seek a solution beyond its shores.
To deny the addiction is to ask for trouble. This disease is a chronic illness. Without treatment, it gets worse, never better. It's vital for all addicts to seek recovery. Thus, we recommend Omani addicts to seek the best treatment abroad so that the dignity of the addict and family can be restored. Addicts in recovery will become useful people and will not be victims of their disease.
The Problem With Seeking Treatment in Oman
Culture is not something that can change in an instant. To wait for Omani culture to be accepting of addiction as an illness, may be a fatal thing to do. It's because addiction is a progressive illness that if untreated, will lead to death. At the same time, changing Omani culture, will take a long time. The addict cannot afford to wait that long.
According to The National, U.A.E., Khadija Al Hooti, a therapist and volunteer with Al-Sakeena Charity Organisation had some things to say. She said that parents do not want to admit their children are addicted. Neither, do wives want to admit their husband's addiction. It's because Oman suffers from a culture of addiction denial and secrecy as a result of stigma and shame. From such omissions, it's possible that the amount of addicts in the nation could be as high as 30,000 people. Hence, the first problem in seeking treatment in Oman, is the most obvious: its shame-based culture with regards to addiction.
This leaves Omani addicts with only one option: treatment abroad such as with us at Solace Sabah. By doing so, they return with the dignity of recovery; whilst having addressed the shameful aspects of the disease, abroad.
Treatment in Oman is available, but it's not comprehensive. Al Masarra Psychiatric hospital is the only known place to treat both alcoholism and addiction, to date. There are over 1,000 beds for treating addicts. But, comprehensive, bespoke, and specialised treatment is most effective for treating addiction. For more on a model that works, read our article titled: "The Matrix Model of Drug Treatment." In that, you will learn that individual attention is needed to treat addiction. And, that rounding addicts in a hospital environment, more often than not, is counterproductive to healing. At Solace Sabah, we practice a bespoke model of treatment. For more on that, click here.
Lastly, Oman suffers from an increasingly toxic environment insofar as addiction is concerned. Drugs are becoming prolifically available throughout the country. According to The National, U.A.E., students as young as 15 years old have become targets of drug peddling in schools.
A teacher from a Muscat-based school said, "..the school has called the police twice in the last three years..." The school called for the police because they spotted drug peddlers on campus, trying to sell milk, or even juice mixed with heroin. The teacher then added, " As cheap (The drugged drinks) as 500 baiza and also very mild in content." Adding to this, the teacher remarked that this is how youngsters start off and later get hooked to stronger drugs.
What's more, in 2012, according to the National U.A.E., 4,500 people were admitted to Omani hospitals with alcohol-related diseases. By the end of 2016, that increased to 11,000 people. It shows that as judicious as the Omani government is to help addiction, it hasn't succeeded. In turn, this disease has become a financial burden on the government and on its people.
All this shows that Oman is not a safe place for someone who is seeking treatment for addiction. With addicts in active drug use everywhere, and increasing over time; the addict who abstains, may relapse shortly after. For more on relapse, click here. Hence, it takes recovery and strength with a sober program, to return to living in Oman, safely.
Seek recovery and freedom from addiction at Solace Sabah.
We are an alcohol and drug rehab centre located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. There are many reasons to choose us as your destination for addiction recovery. They are as follows:
First of all, we practice an integrated model of treatment. We combine the best in medical, psychiatric, and therapeutic science to heal addiction. Addiction, as a multi-disciplined illness, cannot be addressed from one angle. Our medical staff needs to handle the biological aspect of the disease, such as medical check-ups and medications.
Whereas, our clinical staff will deal with the treatment aspect. Various therapies will be applied based on each client's' need. Every client is different, hence treatment planning will be highly individualised and special. We do not adhere to all size fits everyone. At Solace Sabah, each client is a special case.
We balance our therapy with retreat. This means that clients get to leave the centre on various outings; from shopping to nature tours, to adventure sports. It's a holistic approach to recovery.
Another reason to reach out to us is due to the fact that we are located in a Muslim country. Other rehabs in Southeast Asia may have a good clinical background, but they are not located in a Muslim environment. Malaysia, as a Muslim country will be your best option because it is already familiar with the needs of Muslims. For example, all foods served here are Halal. And, we provide praying facilities for all our Muslim guests; as well as Mosque visits on Fridays.
What's more, you or your loved one's anonymity will be kept. This allows clients to get the best of treatment in the safety and privacy that's required for healing. Our clients will be able to explore issues that may be hurtful, painful, and shameful to those in Oman. But, here, honesty will be accompanied with honour and dignity. It's because we treat addicts as patients, with an illness. Not, as criminals with a moral defect. Call us for more information. We will always be happy to help you with your addiction concerns.
Addiction Rehabilitation For Kuwaitis
Kuwait may be replete with rehab options for locals. There are many places you could go to; to get treatment for alcohol or drugs. Yet, if it were another illness, this would be good news for Kuwaitis. But, we're talking about addiction. A disease that is not even recognised as an illness; but a shameful moral failing in most Arab societies. Kuwait, like most of the Middle-East has a stigmatic view on addiction and recovery. The shame-based culture could make rehabilitation for Kuwaitis, damaging. It will damage the dignity and honour of both the addict in question and his/her families. Hence, most Kuwaitis are well-advised to seek recovery from addiction beyond these shores.
Addiction is a chronic illness of the midbrain. When an addict takes his/her addictive substance, or is involved in an addicted process; a part of his brain is damaged. Without proper treatment, addicts or alcoholics will get worse, never better. For more on the science behind addiction and why it is a disease, click here. Hence, it is important to seek treatment, and from a place where addicts are treated as patients, not criminals.
Why is Kuwait not safe for recovery?
It may be that Kuwait has well-meaning institutions to take care of addicts, but that's not enough for recovery. Addicts need more than good institutions. They need dignity, honour, and a healthy system of support and science to treat their illness. This makes Kuwait, as well as many other Middle-Eastern countries unsuitable. Below are some reasons as to why that is so:
As mentioned before, the shame-based culture of Kuwait is a huge liability. These attitudes towards addicts and addiction may change over time; but the still suffering addict cannot wait. As also mentioned, addiction is a progressive, chronic disease. Over time, it gets worse, never better, without proper treatment. Hence, the time to treat addiction is when the addict is ready; not when society is accepting of it. What's more, social stigma could endanger the reputation of families, friends, and the respectability of the addict. The need to be accepted by society is necessary to function in Kuwaiti, as in any society. Thus, seeking treatment abroad is best due to the safety in anonymity. In such conditions, clients can heal better; and be ready for a respectable homecoming upon discharge.
It's addiction's home-ground. If you or a loved one became addicted in Kuwait, it's highly unlikely that you can find recovery here. This is because addiction is rife in the region. For instance, according to the Kuwait Times, in 2013, drug related crimes were as much as 27,002 cases. The highest percentage was reported from Hawally Governate at 27% (7,281 cases).Followed by Farwaniya Governate at 22% (5,946 cases). Then, the Capital / Asima Governate at 16% (4,217 cases). Ahmadi and Jahra; both at 15%, with Ahmadi having 4,116 cases; while Jahra had 4,102 cases respectively. The lowest percentage was reported from Mubarak Al-Kabeer, with 5% (1,340 cases).
What's more, being close to family may halt the healing process, due to codependency issues. For more on codependency, read this article. These may include, but are not limited to family and social pressures; not to mention the ubiquity of drugs.
Last but not least, the practice in Kuwait is to lump and dump as many addicts into a single space. According to the Kuwait Times, a drug rehab centre can cater for up to 100 persons in a single ward. The practice of lumping all addicts together has negative side-effects. For one, it leaves addicts vulnerable to others who may be still using or who promotes using. And on the other hand, it takes away individual attention that's necessary for healing. At Solace Sabah, we practice the matrix model of treatment. For more on this individuated model, click here. What we can assure our clients is a unique and individuated treatment plan. For each addict will bring different issues to treatment. One cure fits all; does not apply to treating addicts.
Why Solace Sabah is a beneficial option for Kuwaitis.
Solace Sabah is a drug and alcohol rehab located in Malaysia. You or a loved one will be 12,248 kilometres away from prying eyes. You could excuse yourself from Kuwait to say you'll be on a long holiday or to tend to an illness, but keep the details to your counsellor. Your discretion and anonymity is protected. This allows you to recover in the privacy of our secure environment. Hence, when returning home, the shame-based culture will not affect you. What's more, our counsellors will prep you for your trip back to ensure that you leave with dignity and honour. By doing this, you tend to the disease. At the same time, you protect yourself from the stigma addiction suffers in Kuwait.
We also practice an integrated and highly professional level of medical and mental care. We are a one-stop treatment for all the addict's needs in recovery: from health concerns to therapy. For more on our treatment process, click here. On the same note, we practice a highly individuated treatment program. We prioritise each client's needs according to his/her own background. We understand that each person has his/her own unique issues. And each, will be treated with special care and attention.
Added to that, we are also a safe environment. No drugs are allowed in Solace grounds. While you are with us for our primary program, i.e. your initial stay (be it 28-days or more), you'll be accompanied on all outings. Thus, the pressures of the outside world can be observed and processed. In other words, you or a loved one will have the support necessary throughout the treatment process.
Stages of Drug Addiction for Middle East
THE FOUR STAGES OF DRUG ADDICTION
Stage 1: Experimentation
At this stage, the user is someone who has never used drugs. But, he/she is around people who have or are using it. Either due to peer pressure or curiosity, the user begins to experiment or try the drugs. It could happen in any context. For instance, at a social gathering, people gather to try substances such as marijuana. Some may find it disgusting, and stop. While others, may like the effect the drug has in relaxing them.
Users may find that it helps them to forget their troubles. Others may find that harder drugs like heroin and hashish offer a better way out of their problems. It's at the experimentation stage, that users begin their relationship with drugs. Addicts are usually the people who have found "the solution" for life in their drugs.
Stage 2: Regular Use
The user may or may not be addicted by this stage. There are people who continually use drugs, but do not get addicted. It doesn't become their one and only tool for living. They don't feel they will die if they don't use. But, they enjoy the drugs, and thus, will use it on occasions. These regular users are not addicts.
But, within this stage, you will find the addict. They are the users who have to use it. What makes them different from average users, is the compulsion to increase in dosage. The brain of the addict, through regular use, will tolerate lower doses of drugs. Over time, it will take more drugs to get the initial high.
Drug tolerance will develop for both non-addicts and addicts alike. But, the difference here is the reaction to tolerance. For non-addicts, they will control the amount used, even if it increases. They have a stopping mechanism in their brain. Addicts, for lack of this ability to stop, will have no control over the amount used. The incline in use will result in severe consequences. It's this unmanageability that makes addiction, a disease of the midbrain.
At stages one and two, it's difficult to separate addicts from non-addicts. Both people continue to regularly use drugs to smother emotions. Drugs help them to relax and avoid shameful as well as painful feelings.
Stage 3: Abuse / Risky Use
Regular use of drugs continue to bring pleasure to the life of the user. But, when risky behaviours develop and get ignored, using becomes dangerous. Non-addicts would usually cave-in by this point. The negative consequences alone would be enough to stop. And they have the mental ability to do that. But, the addict, as much as he/she shares that desire, will continue regardless. It's at this stage, that we can tell who is an addict and who isn't.
Do you or a loved one continue to use regardless of negative effects? Are you unable to stop in spite of disease, poverty, crime, family problems, etc? If so, then, you are an addict. And as an addict, you will need treatment for your illness.
Stage 4: Addiction
Why can't the addict stop? Why is it that non-addicts can? Non-addicts do not have an addictive neurology. Their brain does not crave drugs as addicts do. Addicts crave drugs like humans crave breathing. The using becomes a survival mechanism, that without, will disrupt normal functioning. In active addiction, addicts use to function. Severe withdrawal such as stopping suddenly has resulted in seizures, coma, and death.
Drugs become life itself. It overtakes everything and everyone in the addict's life. This is because over the course of using, the addict has created a neural pathway. His brain has accepted that he needs drugs to survive. Unlike non-addicts, he has no control over what his brain has become - addicted to drugs.
At this stage, it's important to detoxify the addict's body to rid the physical craving for the drug. Thereafter, the addict will need residential treatment to change their neurology. It will take time to remove the addictive neural pathway to one of recovery. Addicts do not have the ability to quit on their own. They need professional and medical treatment to live a drug-free life.
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