Cairo

Source: Al-Wafd newspaper

Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri

The widespread issue of drug addiction in the Arab world has become a matter of concern, especially because of its profound social and economic impacts. This phenomenon, which is on the rise significantly among young people, is no longer only linked to an increase in crime rates, but also portends the disintegration of the family structure and the demolition of the foundations of social stability, economic development and growth at the national level.

The International Narcotics Control Board indicated in 2019 the staggering size of the global drug trade, which exceeded $800 billion annually, and that nearly $120 billion had been laundered through global financial markets and major banks. International reports note that the Arab countries, due to their strategic geographical location, have become an important channel in this illicit trade, and that addiction rates in them have risen to about 7-10%, the majority of whom are from the youth demographic group. Specialists explain that the aggravation of this situation is due to the recent social transformations and economic conditions that have reshaped the fabric of Arab societies, including the erosion of traditional family roles and the spread of unregulated access to the Internet and satellite channels among younger generations.

In the Arabian Gulf region, drug consumption rates reached an alarming rate of 4.6%, exceeding those in the United States (2.2%) and South American countries (2.5%). It appears that conflicts and social and political instability, especially in countries such as Iraq, have led to an increase in drug trafficking and drug abuse. Reports of the Iraqi Ministry of Health indicate alarmingly high rates of addiction among young people, with the number of addicts reaching three to four out of every ten between the ages of 18 and 30 years.

There is no doubt that the impact of these challenges on national economies is multifaceted. The depletion of public health resources, loss of productivity, and the diversion of funds into illicit activities all contribute to economic destabilization. In addition, social costs, including increased crime rates and the erosion of family structures, have long-term implications for achieving sustainable economic development goals.

Effectively addressing this issue requires comprehensive national strategies. Education and awareness of the dangers of drug addiction are important first steps. Family and educational institutions must play their role in early intervention and prevention. National plans must also invest in infrastructure and healthy coping mechanisms, such as physical activities, counseling, and practicing hobbies, as basic alternatives to drug abuse.

These plans must also take into account the implementation of short- and long-term strategies, including educational reforms, intensifying media campaigns, and ensuring the adequacy of legal measures against drug trafficking and use. These strategies should also aim to strengthen family ties and support stable family structures as an effective buffer against addiction and its associated social ills.

In conclusion, the interaction between addiction, crime, and family disintegration in the Arab world poses major economic and social challenges, including decreased productivity, increased health care costs, and the diversion of national resources to combat drug trafficking and crime. National strategies must be designed not only to reduce the immediate crisis, but also to stabilize the national economic and social environment in the long term.