Over 107 Thousand in Egypt Receive Addiction Support in 2024

Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy announced that over 107 thousand individuals sought addiction treatment through the National Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction in the first eight months of 2024. This statistic highlights the increasing demand for addiction support services across the country.

The fund’s hotline, 16023, offers free and confidential treatment services. The services include counselling, rehabilitation and social reintegration, available through 33 treatment centres spread across 19 governorates. The comprehensive approach aligns with global standards, addressing both immediate and ongoing needs of individuals battling addiction.

Notably, Cairo recorded the highest number of calls to the hotline, with 29% of total inquiries, followed by Giza at 16%. The internet has emerged as the primary source of information about the hotline, with significant engagement through social media platforms like Facebook, where the fund's page boasts nearly two million followers.

The report reveals that 96% of those seeking help were male, while 4% were female. The most common addictive substances reported included cannabis, heroin, and synthetic drugs such as Strox and Voodoo. Additionally, polydrug use remains a concern. Dr. Amr Othman, the fund’s director, noted that 28% of calls came from patients themselves, 27% from siblings and 12% from mothers, reflecting growing trust in the hotline’s services.

The primary reasons for seeking treatment were curiosity (53%) and peer pressure (33%). Financial difficulties were a significant motivator for 35% of patients, while 26% cited physical and mental health concerns. The hotline continues to offer free services to employees seeking help before workplace drug tests, underscoring its commitment to providing accessible support.