UAE Rehab Center Warns Public About the Dangers of 'Legal High' Substitute Drugs
The UAE's National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) is at the forefront of addressing a growing concern - the rise in substance use among young people. This trend, often involving alternative substances marketed as "safe" or "legal" highs, has prompted the NRC to adapt its approach to meet the unique challenges of the UAE's cultural and social landscape.
The NRC, recognised as a WHO Collaborative Centre for substance use prevention and treatment since 2017, is committed to aligning its work with international standards and sharing expertise across the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Its holistic and family-inclusive approach aims to reduce stigma and encourage active participation from individuals and their loved ones in the recovery process.
Many of these new psychoactive substances (NPS) have no legitimate medical use and can cause serious harm. They are known to induce acute psychosis, seizures, agitation, aggression, and the potential for dependence. However, the NRC's multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers creates personalized rehabilitation plans for each individual, which may include detoxification and withdrawal management, inpatient treatment, or outpatient treatment, depending on the situation.
The NRC's programs extend beyond medical treatment. They focus on recreation, physical wellness, and vocational training, recognizing that addiction is not just a medical issue but also emotional, social, and often spiritual. The growing public acceptance of mental health issues in the UAE means families, schools, and workplaces are more willing to collaborate with the NRC, creating stronger prevention networks.
The conversation around mental health in the UAE has changed in recent years, with higher awareness, decreasing stigma, and more people seeking help early. This shift is particularly significant among adolescents and young adults, where the most significant changes in substance use are occurring.
In response to this, the NRC in 2025 is focusing on training teachers to recognize and support students with special needs, implementing inclusive education programs, and promoting awareness campaigns within schools to foster an environment supportive of rehabilitation and integration.
Moreover, the NRC's prevention strategy includes efforts to raise awareness in schools, workplaces, and communities. In 2024, they conducted over 107 awareness activities in partnership with public and private institutions. The UAE's healthcare system is also evolving to support more proactive, coordinated addiction care through investments in AI, telehealth, and unified health records.
Lasting recovery requires more than completing a program, according to the NRC, and they provide ongoing follow-up to ensure support continues beyond discharge. The NRC's commitment to its mission is evident in its tireless efforts to combat substance use, support recovery, and foster a healthier, more compassionate society in the UAE.
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