KUWAIT: A new addiction treatment center in the Al-Sabah Health Region was inaugurated on Wednesday, marking a significant step in Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to combat addiction. The rehab center is designed to provide immediate intervention, accelerate treatment, and rehabilitate addicts, helping them reintegrate into society as active and contributing members. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Health’s broader vision to improve citizens’ quality of life and protect the community from the dangers of drugs.

The new addiction treatment center was generously donated by the National Cooperative Project Committee, a government entity under the Ministry of Social Affairs. During his speech at the opening, Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi said the center was designed according to the highest global standards and aims to provide comprehensive therapeutic and rehabilitative services. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to support individuals suffering from addiction and help them on their path to recovery.

500 bed capacity

Dr Hussein Al-Shatti, Head of the Kuwait Center for Addiction Treatment, noted that the new facility is a valuable addition to the center’s existing building. The four-storey building has a capacity of up to 304 beds and complements the services offered by the original building, which houses over 200 beds. Together, the two buildings will provide more than 500 beds in total.

The ground floor of the new center is dedicated to rapid interventions and classification, while each floor features various amenities, including a large living lounge, a dining room, a lecture hall, reception area, buffet, meeting room, individual therapy rooms, a prayer room, and a patient’s lounge. The building also includes parking spaces for approximately 100 cars to ensure a comfortable experience for visitors, patients, and their families.

A halfway house

Dr Al-Shatti explained that the new facility is designed for patients in the advanced stages of rehabilitation, serving as a “halfway house.” The program is divided into four phases, each lasting between 6 to 8 weeks, and is supervised by specialized therapeutic teams to assess progress and support patients in reaching their treatment goals. The facility also includes a sports activity hall, promoting physical activity as part of the comprehensive rehabilitation process. It adheres to a smoke-free policy to maintain a healthy environment conducive to recovery.

In addition to the specialized therapeutic care, the building relies on a skilled nursing staff that provides round-the-clock services, including emergency interventions and medical test supervision. Multi-purpose halls are also available for administrative meetings, training programs, and counseling and recovery sessions, making the center a well-rounded facility that supports both treatment and professional development.

Minister Al-Awadhi also expressed his deep appreciation to Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah for her ongoing support in facilitating the implementation of initiatives that improve the quality of life for individuals and society. He commended the National Cooperative Project Committee for their generous donation, which demonstrates their commitment to supporting national projects that benefit the Kuwaiti community. — KUNA