Protective Awareness
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) implements many protective programs among its staff and society including Saudis and non-Saudis. The administration organises campaigns against addiction to narcotics amongst the young generations, showing the harmful effects of addiction to narcotics.
The GDNC conducts research, prepares studies from social, economic and health perspectives and delivers guidance courses for teachers (male and female) to raise awareness on narcotics dangers.
The GDNC participates in local and international conferences and implements guidance programmes in all government sectors.
The GDNC also studies cases of some addicts in Al-Amal hospitals and interviews their families to understand the reasons and conditions of addiction to narcotics. It co-ordinates with the concerned ministries to find jobs for persons who have been treated of addiction to narcotics.
Internationally:
The GDNC co-operates with the similar administrations around the world, including the United States, Jordan, Sudan, Syria, Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia and Yemen to combat illegal narcotics trade.
It participates in the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB's) activities to share experiences and successful approaches in the fields of protection, treatment, training and scientific research.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has signed many treaties including:
• Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961
• The Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971
• Amendment of Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1972
• The United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances of 1987
In the Arab World:
In 1986, the Arab interior ministers signed the Unified Model Law for organising usage of narcotics and protection against narcotics abuse. Co-operating with the Gulf Council Countries (GCC), a study on reducing demand on narcotics was completed.
Locally:
The GDNC co-operates with the security patrols, coast guards, road safety patrols, special security forces and customhouses to control narcotics. This co-operation helped seizing many narcotics traffickers, cartels and users.
At the same time, the GDNC focuses on the protective awareness. Co-operating with the national anti-drug committee, the Directorate uses available resources and possible media to enlighten the public against dangers of addiction to narcotics.
Treatment:
The Saudi government has established three specialised hospitals and provided them with the required equipment and the most qualified and experienced medical, technical and administrative staff. These three hospitals are called "Al-Amal Hospitals."
The fourth hospital is the Psychological Rehabilitation Center. These hospitals treat and rehabilitate addicts to narcotics or alcohol. Treatment and rehabilitation services are provided free of charge. The addict is not punished or even questioned because confidentiality of data is guaranteed.
Self Support Programme:
Application of the Self Support Programme started in 1415 H (1995). The programme takes care of the patients who have successfully been treated. It has successfully helped a large number of youths to quit drugs.
The national anti-drug committee has adopted a special Programme that aims at taking care of the addicts after receiving complete medical treatment in Al-Amal hospitals in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam or the Psychological Rehabilitation Center in Al-Qaseem. This Programme is called the Succeeding Care; and it is one of its kind in the Arab World.
The Succeeding Care Programme completes the addicts' medical treatment. It is the practical process for guiding, advising and assisting the treated persons and helping them to follow a stable life and adjust themselves to society.
The national anti-drug committee assumed the responsibility of nursing, employing and taking care of addicts since 1415 H. The programme sent three reformed addicts to the United States of America for education on treatment and guidance of addicts. It was implemented according to Islamic law, customs and traditions. A specialised committee implemented the Programme and followed up its positive results. This success encouraged the expansion and implementation of the programme in Jeddah and Al-Qaseem in 1418 H (1998).
The programme has achieved a remarkable success in attracting considerable numbers of addicts, and ensured that they will never return to narcotics addiction. The Programme has successfully helped 5200 persons all over the Kingdom. In year 2000, the minister of interior asked for implementation of the new Self Support Programme.
Child & Family Education:
The national anti-drug committee concentrates in enlightening children and instilling Islamic values in them through cultural enlightenment activities at schools and education centers Kingdom-wide.
The Committee programmes warn children of the medical dangers of narcotics and alcohol; and urge them to participate in improving their society.
The Committe also concentrates in enlightening families through lectures, seminars, and publications at schools, charitable societies, women centers, colleges and universities, etc.