Studies indicate a close relationship between drug abuse and rising crime rates in recent years, and the overall picture remains very complex in light of the difficulty of determining the nature of the interrelationship between cause and effect. Figures show that drug abuse is widespread among young people in the region, with reports indicating that the rate of drug abuse among young people reaches about 35% in the age group of 15 to 24 years. As for the age group of young people between 25 and 34 years, the rate of abuse is about 28%. What is worrying is the growing percentage of those who started using drugs before the age of 15, which is estimated at about 12%.

What studies show is that individuals suffering from addiction are more likely to resort to committing crimes such as theft and robbery to secure the money needed to buy drugs, especially in light of the high cost of drugs and the difficulty of obtaining them legally. In addition, some types of drugs such as heroin and cocaine cause severe behavioral and psychological changes that may push individuals to act violently and aggressively, which increases the likelihood of them committing crimes. Clinical studies confirm that the effect of drugs causes the addict to lose control over his behavior and commit crimes without being aware of 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 lack of job and educational opportunities. Poor socio-economic conditions, such as living in poor or overcrowded neighborhoods, or being exposed to violence and neglect in childhood, also contribute to increased likelihood of committing crimes. In addition, weak rule of law and limited law enforcement opportunities lead to crime spreading unchecked.

The phenomenon of drug abuse and crime is complex and multidimensional, and its causes cannot be limited to one factor only. However, the relationship between them is strong and clear, as drugs contribute to creating an environment conducive to committing crimes in a more heinous and dangerous manner. 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 confront this widespread phenomenon. Many of them have launched national campaigns to combat drugs in recent years, with the aim of reducing the spread of drug abuse and pushing addicts to treatment centers. These strategies include developing justice systems, intensifying cooperation between law enforcement agencies, providing job opportunities for young people, improving social and economic conditions, and providing 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 made significant progress in reducing drug abuse. For example, the rate of drug abuse in some countries decreased to about 7.5% in 2023, compared to 11% in 2014. Some countries also witnessed a decrease in the addiction rate to about 3% in 2023, compared to 4.5% in 2014. Arab governments have provided multiple treatment services for addicts, and the number of treatment and rehabilitation centers for addiction patients has increased significantly in recent years.

At the level of Egypt, according to official statistics, the rate of drug use in Egypt decreased from 10.2% in 2014 to 5.9% in 2023. The addiction rate also decreased from 3.4% in 2014 to 2.4% in 2023. These results came thanks to national plans that aim to raise awareness and provide voluntary treatment services and rehabilitation programs.

Overall, while efforts to combat drug abuse in some Arab countries have made significant progress, the challenges remain daunting. Addressing this growing issue may require, on the one hand, an integrated approach that includes awareness, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and bold and unconventional solutions, but most importantly, understanding and addressing the root causes that drive individuals to drug abuse. Such a paradigm shift requires a comprehensive reformulation of social and economic policies that go beyond immediate solutions to address structural causes, and make drug control not just a security battle, but a step towards comprehensive sustainable development that enhances social and economic security in the long term.