Drug addiction specialists in Kuwait have called for enhanced collaboration among government bodies, civil society groups, and public benefit organizations to provide holistic support for individuals recovering from addiction. The appeal came during a seminar titled “The Repentant Addict,” held on Wednesday as part of the Ministry of Justice’s national anti-drug awareness campaign.
Experts at the event emphasized that effective recovery extends beyond medical treatment, requiring sustained psychological, social, and community engagement. They highlighted the importance of helping recovering addicts rebuild their sense of purpose through involvement in productive activities and constructive hobbies that channel free time into positive outlets.
Speakers urged recovering individuals to maintain a strong commitment to their recovery journey by surrounding themselves with supportive relationships, avoiding environments linked to substance use, and fostering responsible behavior. According to the specialists, many recovering addicts face psychological hurdles such as negative thought patterns and regrets over past actions. Overcoming these challenges involves focusing on the present, adopting healthier mindsets, and recognizing that current decisions influence future outcomes.
Another key aspect stressed at the seminar was effective self-management. Recovering addicts are encouraged to develop skills in time management, daily planning, and setting achievable short-term goals to facilitate steady progress in their recovery.
The panel described addiction as a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder, consistent with the World Health Organization’s classification, noting the persistent risk of relapse due to the compulsive nature of substance dependence despite its harmful effects. They highlighted the role of addiction treatment centers in educating patients about the chronic nature of addiction, helping them identify early relapse warning signs, and fostering personal accountability in sustaining recovery.
The involvement of public benefit associations was also underscored as crucial in providing educational and social support, promoting positive values, combating stigma, and aiding recovering addicts in regaining confidence and reintegrating into society. The specialists acknowledged that maintaining recovery over the long term remains one of the most significant challenges for former addicts.
Among the speakers were Sheikh Dr. Othman AlKhamis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Insan Charitable Society; Dr. Rashid Al-Sahl, consultant in mental health and psychological counseling and former Dean of the College of Education at Kuwait University; Dr. Adel Al-Zayed, consultant psychiatrist and former Director of the Addiction Treatment Center; and Mohammed Al-Bashir, Head of the Psychiatry Committee at the Bashayer Al-Khair Society.
The seminar was attended by senior officials and representatives from government agencies and public benefit organizations. At its conclusion, Ministry of Justice Undersecretary Awatif Al-Sanad and First Attorney General Counselor Bader Al-Musaed, who also serves as Director of the Kuwait Institute for Judicial and Legal Studies, honored the speakers and participants in recognition of their contributions to enhancing public awareness on addiction recovery.