Cairo

Source: Al-Wafd newspaper

Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri

Many studies and research indicate that there is a close relationship between the spread of drug abuse and high crime rates. However, determining the nature of this relationship, whether it is causal or merely correlational, remains a complex topic, especially with the high rate of abuse among young people around the world. Statistics in Egypt indicate that the rate of abuse is 45.1% among the age group from 15 to 20 years, and 34.1% among the age group from 20 to 30 years, and 14.02% of cases began at the age of less than 15 years, which reflects The seriousness of the situation with the increase in addiction rates and the resulting increase in crime rates.

Drug abuse is not just an isolated act, but rather a problem whose effects extend to the fabric of society as a whole, as addiction leads to the deterioration of social values ​​and an increase in crime rates such as theft and burglary, while the addict searches for money by any means to buy drugs. These crimes cannot be considered merely individual incidents, but rather as part of a broader criminal system, in which addicted groups engage in organized criminal activities, which increases the complexity of the security landscape.

The matter does not stop at the physical need for drugs, but rather extends to the profound psychological effects caused by narcotic substances. Cocaine and heroin, for example, cause severe psychological and behavioral changes that cause users to behave violently and aggressively, making them more likely to commit violent crimes. These aggressive behaviors are just part of a vicious cycle of addiction-related violence and crime.

On the other hand, other factors may contribute to creating an environment conducive to drug abuse and crime, such as poverty, unemployment, social and economic conditions, as well as exposure to violence or neglect in childhood. Data show that high crime rates may be linked to a weak rule of law and increase in places where law enforcement opportunities are weak or absent.

The Egyptian state did not remain silent in the face of the rising phenomenon of addiction, but rather made great efforts to combat drug abuse and crime. In 2018, the Egyptian government launched a national anti-drug campaign with the aim of reducing the spread of this phenomenon and treating addicts. The state’s strategy is to develop an effective justice system, enhance cooperation between law enforcement agencies, provide job opportunities for young people, and improve social and economic conditions, in addition to providing awareness and education programs to spread awareness of the dangers of drugs and crime and promote positive values ​​among young people.

These efforts resulted in positive results, as the rate of drug abuse decreased to 5.9% in 2023 compared to 10.2% in 2014. The addiction rate also decreased to 2.4% in 2023 compared to 3.4% in 2014. The government also provided Free treatment services for 813.1 thousand addiction patients in treatment centers during the period from 2014 to 2022, in addition to increasing the number of treatment and rehabilitation centers for addiction patients by 133.3%, bringing their number to 28 centers in 2021 compared to 12 centers in 2014.

In general, the current data require policy makers to consider several considerations to effectively confront this complex phenomenon. Emphasis must be placed on strengthening preventive and awareness-raising programs in schools and local communities to spread awareness about the dangers of drugs and their impact on the individual and society, including using social and digital media more effectively to reach the youth segment, especially in remote and deprived areas, and educate them about the dangers of drugs in interactive and attractive ways.

Rehabilitation programs should be reconsidered to include psychological and social support for addicts after the end of the treatment period, with a focus on providing job opportunities and vocational training to ensure that they do not return to addiction and crime.

It is necessary to improve the economic infrastructure and build partnerships between the public and private sectors to create sustainable job opportunities for young people, including encouraging entrepreneurship and providing incentives for companies to employ young people, including specialized vocational training programs that suit the needs of the local and global market. It is also important to invest in scientific research to study the behavioral and psychological patterns associated with addiction, with the aim of developing advanced treatment strategies based on scientific data and evidence.

Finally, strengthening international cooperation in combating drug smuggling is important, developing mechanisms for exchanging information and successful experiences between countries, organizing joint campaigns to pursue drug traffickers and dismantling criminal networks that operate across borders, in addition to supporting local communities to develop self-initiatives to combat addiction and crime in innovative and sustainable ways.