Cairo
Source: Al-Wafd Newspaper
Prof. Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Khouri
Studies indicate a close relationship between drug abuse and rising crime rates in recent years. The overall picture remains highly complex, given the difficulty of determining the nature of the relationship between cause and effect. Figures show that drug abuse is significantly prevalent among young people in the region. Reports indicate that drug abuse among young people reaches approximately 35% among those aged 15 to 24. For those aged 25 to 34, the rate of drug abuse is approximately 28%. What is alarming is the growing percentage of those who began using drugs before the age of 15, estimated at approximately 12%.
Studies show that individuals suffering from addiction are more likely to resort to crimes such as theft and robbery to secure the money needed to purchase drugs, especially given the high cost of narcotics and the difficulty of obtaining them legally. Some types of drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, cause severe behavioral and psychological changes that may push individuals to act violently and aggressively, increasing their likelihood of committing crimes. Clinical studies confirm that the effects of drugs cause addicts to lose control over their behavior, leading them to commit crimes without realizing the consequences.
Other factors also contribute to high crime rates, such as poverty and unemployment, which drive individuals, especially young people, to commit crimes due to a lack of job and educational opportunities. Poor socioeconomic conditions, such as living in poor or overcrowded neighborhoods, or exposure to violence and neglect in childhood, also contribute to an increased likelihood of committing crimes. In addition, weak rule of law and limited law enforcement opportunities lead to the spread of unchecked crime.
The phenomenon of drug abuse and crime is complex and multidimensional, and its causes cannot be limited to a single factor. However, the relationship between them is strong and clear, as drugs contribute to creating an environment conducive to the commission of more heinous and dangerous crimes. Therefore, combating drug abuse is an essential step towards reducing the spread of crime and achieving security and stability in society.
Arab countries are trying to solve this problem and combat this widespread phenomenon. Many have launched national anti-drug campaigns in recent years, aiming to reduce the spread of drug abuse and push addicts to treatment centers. These strategies include developing justice systems, intensifying cooperation between law enforcement agencies, providing job opportunities for youth, improving social and economic conditions, and offering awareness and education programs to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and crime and instill positive values and healthy behaviors among young people.
As a result of these efforts, some Arab countries have achieved remarkable progress in reducing drug abuse. For example, drug abuse rates in some countries decreased to approximately 7.5% in 2023, compared to 11% in 2014. Some countries also saw addiction rates decline to approximately 3% in 2023, compared to 4.5% in 2014. Arab governments have provided various treatment services for addicts, and the number of treatment and rehabilitation centers for addiction patients has increased significantly in recent years.
At the national level, according to official statistics, the rate of drug use in Egypt decreased from 10.2% in 2014 to 5.9% in 2023. The rate of addiction also decreased from 3.4% in 2014 to 2.4% in 2023. These results were achieved thanks to national plans aimed at raising awareness and providing voluntary treatment services and rehabilitation programs.
In general, while efforts to combat drug use in some Arab countries have achieved remarkable progress, the challenges remaining are formidable. Addressing this growing issue may require, on the one hand, an integrated approach that includes awareness, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and bold, unconventional solutions. More importantly, however, is understanding and addressing the root causes that drive individuals to drug use. Such a paradigm shift requires a comprehensive restructuring of social and economic policies that goes beyond immediate solutions to address structural causes. This shift transforms drug control from a mere security battle to a step toward comprehensive sustainable development that enhances long-term social and economic security.
