Synthetic Drugs Make Up Majority of Addiction Cases Treated in Egypt
Men accounted for 96% of beneficiaries, with peer influence driving 62% of cases and curiosity 22% in the first ten months of 2025.
Synthetic drugs are the most commonly abused substances among addiction cases treated nationwide in Egypt, including crystal meth, Strox, Voodoo, Powder and Shabu. The National Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction stated that its services continue to track a shift towards synthetic substances among incoming cases across the country.
The Fund said its hotline - 16023 - provided treatment services to 130,601 patients, including new and follow-up cases, during the first ten months of 2025. Services are free, confidential and delivered according to international standards, covering follow-up calls, counselling, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration.
Men represented 96% of beneficiaries, while women made up 4%. Peer influence led to 62% of cases, followed by curiosity at 22%. Health deterioration was the main reason cited for seeking treatment at 35%, followed by financial difficulties at 25%, alongside work-related problems, stress and fear of dismissal or legal actions.
The hotline serves residents in developed areas described as alternatives to slums, including Al-Asmarat, Al-Mahrousa, Rawdat Al-Sudan, Rawdat Al-Sayeda, Ahalina, Al-Khayala, Bashayer Al-Kheir and October Gardens. Patients also visited 35 treatment centres across 20 governorates affiliated with the Fund and partnered with the hotline. Employees who seek help voluntarily are treated without legal consequences until workplace drug tests are conducted. Otherwise, legal measures are taken.
