Safi’s INDH inaugurates first free rehabilitation center for addiction, substance abuse

The National Human Development Initiative (INDH) inaugurated a drug addiction treatment center in Safi last week, a first in a region still lacking basic social infrastructure.  

Head of the Nour al-Salam association for drug abuse prevention Latifa Slaoui was present at the inauguration, and explained to Hespress EN that the center will help combat drug addiction, and provide treatment for vulnerable, drug dependent locals.

The center was constructed and equipped to keep up with this often marginalized social group, to facilitate the recovery of drug addicts who are unable to access affordable addiction treatment, and  facilitate their reintegration into society.

About 45% of Moroccan adults, equating to about at least 800,000 people, use drugs, according to the National Observatory of Drugs and Addictions’ 2015 annual report. 

According to a study done by  the Biochemistry and Nutrition and Cellular Biology group in affiliation with Casablanca’s Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 600,000 Moroccans are drug addicts. 

The majority of Moroccans addicted to heavy drugs are young persons between the ages of 18 and 28.

Despite the alarming numbers and age segment most affected by this phenomena, access to rehabilitation and treatment in the country remains very rare.

The few rehabilitation centers that do exist are often inaccessible to economically vulnerable addicts, as treatment costs remain high, and are excluded from most insurance schemes.  

“The INDH established the center  for prevention, follow ups, and the reintegration of drug users into the community,” the association’s representative said in a statement to Hespress EN.

In order to publicize and raise awareness of their work and to provide additional assistance to those in need, the Nour al Salam Association launched awareness campaigns in city facilities including schools.

 “We went around Safi’s districts and suburbs to promote this center, and encourage people to get in touch with us if they needed assistance,” Slaoui told Hespress EN.

According to Slaoui, “The association’s work spans throughout the city, as the  center will remain open to locals who need its services, which include both medical and psychological support, all free of charge.”

“While this center is in its early stages, 52 patients are now benefiting its services,  and 21 patients — 30% of whom are women — are receiving psychiatric help.” Currently enrolled patients include a number of  teens, with the oldest  being 31.

The center is expected to  increase its efforts in the future in preventative care, drug risk awareness campaigns, emotional support for patients and their families, and the establishment of a support hotline system.

‘’Following up with our patients after they stop using is crucial, as is making sure they have plenty of encouraging things to do in order to keep them from reverting to their previous behaviors.’’

‘’We are also attempting to find alternatives to the legal repercussions on young people who use drugs; we don’t want our children to end up in jail just because of drug possession; it would be more appropriate to welcome them here and help them stop using drugs. Prison time simply makes things worse,’’ stated the activist. 

The center will also coordinate with other facilities of its kind around the nation, to share knowledge and experiences, and to unify the fight against drug use.

The Regional Delegate for Health and Social Protection runs this rehabilitation center through its medical pole, by deploying medical and paramedical staff to provide the necessary services to beneficiaries and patients.

The Nour Al-Salam Association for Combating Drug Addiction runs the social pole of the rehab, by implementing programs for psychological and social support, to facilitate the integration of addicts into society, and  offer accessible  services to prevent the dangers and risks associated with drug consumption.