Experts urge licensing private addiction treatment clinics to ease pressure on public centers

Specialists in addiction treatment have praised the Kuwaiti state’s strong efforts in combating drug addiction but believe more can be done to expand treatment options.

They suggested that allowing the private sector to open licensed addiction treatment clinics could support government efforts, reduce pressure on public facilities, and discourage citizens from seeking costly treatment abroad.

They also called for expanding Ministry of Health facilities, increasing the number of available beds, and opening addiction treatment branches in every governorate, reports Al-Rai daily,

Experts warned that addiction remains one of Kuwait’s most serious health and social challenges, with drugs being a major cause of crime.

Official data shows that a large percentage of crimes in the country are linked to drug use or trafficking. They emphasized that addressing addiction effectively requires not only medical intervention but also cultural awareness, family support, and societal understanding that addiction is a disease rather than a moral failure.

Dr. Nayef Al-Mutawa, Professor of Clinical Psychology at Kuwait University, explained that addiction to chemical substances “destroys the brain” and is driven by the continuous desire for increasing doses, with painful withdrawal symptoms when consumption stops.

He highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns and education to prevent addiction and differentiate between various forms, noting that cigarette smoking is a form of addiction while hashish use tends to be habitual. He also observed a correlation between gastric sleeve surgery and increased alcohol consumption among some patients.

Former Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Dr. Maryam Al-Azmi, described addiction as one of society’s most dangerous health and social issues, with deep repercussions on families and communities.

She outlined five key justifications for allowing private clinics to operate: growing demand for treatment, the need for diverse therapeutic options, public-private sector integration, encouragement of research and innovation, and the reduction of social stigma by offering confidential treatment environments.

Vice President of the Najahat Center for Psychological and Social Consultations, Ghanima Habib Karam, echoed these views, emphasizing that government centers currently lack the capacity to meet rising demand.

According to Ministry of Health figures, the total capacity of addiction treatment centers stands at only 500 beds. As a result, many citizens seek treatment abroad, incurring heavy financial costs.

She urged the government to approve private-sector participation and to expand existing centers to accommodate more patients while updating addiction-related legislation to reflect the medical nature of the condition.

Karam attributed rising addiction rates among youth to unemployment, peer pressure, and weak family awareness, noting that over 30,000 Kuwaiti youths were unemployed by mid-2025. She explained that addiction often leads to severe family tensions and fear for the future of affected children.

Citing official statistics, she said 75 percent of crimes in Kuwait are linked to drugs, including theft, assault, and violent behavior caused by the brain’s diminished ability to regulate emotions under the influence of narcotics.

She also listed key warning signs of addiction among youth—such as changes in sleep patterns, loss of interest in hobbies, declining academic performance, theft, and the presence of drug paraphernalia—and highlighted eight factors that support recovery.

These include regular attendance at support meetings, psychiatric follow-up, lifestyle adjustments, distancing from negative influences, family involvement, and providing recovering individuals with opportunities to reintegrate into society. Together, experts concluded, these measures—combined with private-sector engagement—could significantly strengthen Kuwait’s fight against addiction and its social consequences.