Minister Maya Morsy, who serves as the Chairwoman of the National Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction, revealed that 107,931 individuals with addiction issues sought assistance from the fund’s hotline (16023).
The hotline offers free and confidential treatment services to new and returning patients, and this support was utilized from January to August 2024, according to the report seen by Ahram Online.
The hotline provides various services, including counseling, rehabilitation, and social reintegration. It’s available to those seeking treatment and support. Minister Morsy emphasized that the services offered meet international standards and are accessible through 33 treatment centers in 19 governorates.
The report indicated that most individuals seeking assistance were male, comprising 96% of the patients, while 4% were female. Cairo had the highest number of hotline calls, accounting for 29% of the total, followed by Giza at 16%. This is likely due to the high population density in both areas and the presence of numerous treatment centers. Interestingly, the primary sources of awareness about the hotline have been the Internet, television, and news websites.
Dr. Amr Othman, the fund’s director, highlighted that the hotline’s services are also promoted through the fund’s official Facebook page, which has close to two million followers. In addition, the report noted the most frequently abused substances, which include cannabis, heroin, and synthetic drugs like Strox, Voodoo, and Chapo, as well as polydrug use.
Othman outlined the breakdown of callers, with 28 percent being patients, 27 percent siblings, and 12 percent mothers. This highlights the increasing trust in the hotline’s services. The report identified curiosity as the primary cause of addiction in 53 percent of cases, demonstrating a strong need for education and prevention in this area. Additionally, peer pressure was a significant factor in 33 percent of cases. Furthermore, the data revealed that financial difficulties drove 35 percent of patients to seek treatment, highlighting the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to healthcare.
Meanwhile, 26 percent sought help due to physical and mental health concerns, underscoring the complex nature of addiction. It’s important to note that the hotline offers free and confidential services to employees seeking help before workplace drug tests. However, it’s crucial to understand that those who do not seek treatment before being tested will face legal consequences, making early intervention vital.
