MODERN addictions such as Internet scrolling, online gambling, viewing pornographic material and playing video games could be treated through a proposed new rehabilitation centre.
A proposal for the centre – which will also deal with familiar addictions that include drugs, alcohol, smoking, sex and work – has been presented by five MPs led by Mohsin Al Asbool.
They said many addicts shy away from seeking treatment at the Psychiatric Hospital or the Mohammed Yousuf Al Moayyed Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre because they view these as a place for ‘crazy people’ and ‘convicts and criminals’.
Bahrain joined other nations in marking International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on Monday.
“Addiction has extended beyond drugs and alcohol nowadays,” said Mr Al Asbool.
“Bahrain is way ahead when it comes to dealing with drugs – whether it be smuggling, dealing and using – but today the world is plagued with ‘modern’ addictions, such as incessant Internet scrolling, online gambling, viewing pornographic material and playing video games.
“Many people feel these are normal, while in reality they are not. These addictions have the potential to damage lives in society.
“Even excessive dependence on coffee has been proven scientifically to be addictive.”
Mr Al Asbool said that clubbing victims of modern addictions with people in handcuffs or in white robes is proving to be a deterrent.
“That’s why we are seeking a new rehabilitation centre that can treat these people separately, in a remote facility which may encourage them to seek psychiatric or addiction treatment.
“I am not saying the government should fully fund the centre; why not have a rehab ‘resort’ run by the private sector to treat everything related to mental health.
“Expenses could later be managed through the National Social Health Insurance Programme (Sehati).
“It would be similar to rehabilitation resorts in Egypt and some European countries that deal with not just drugs and alcohol addiction but also excessive smoking or eating and mental ailments such as paranoia, depression and anxiety, among others.”
The GDN previously quoted an expert on narcotics addiction in Bahrain urging people to reconsider how they view addicts and addiction in general, likening it to a disease that needs to be cured.
Ammar Alhasan of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Bahrain said that a non-judgemental attitude and true compassion towards users looking to get clean are vital for helping people overcome their challenges.
He said addiction was a disease, and not a disgrace.
NA Bahrain started in 1985 with its programme becoming the first of its kind in the Arab world, later expanding to other countries including Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
The group is now officially registered and recognised by the ministries of Social Development, Health and Interior as a non-profit society dedicated to providing a community service.
These days, about 15 to 30 people on an average attend weekly meetings held all over the island, including at its centre in Tubli, as well as hospitals and societies around the country.
The GDN reported back in October that a proposal was made to set up rehabilitation centres for women with drug addiction to cater to citizens, residents and medical tourists. The proposal was made by a team of young Bahrainis who took part in a six-month advanced democracy education course by the Young Parliamentarian Forum organised by the Youth Pioneer Society.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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