HOLISTIC APPROACH TO TACKLING DRUG ABUSE

Where drug abuse is a problem, people and societies suffer. SABIC’s comprehensive strategy to combat it is at the forefront of our social responsibility program.

The pursuit of a healthy, secure life in a thriving community is an ambition we all share. But with its serious effects on health, social bonds and economic wellbeing, drug abuse threatens this goal. SABIC has seen the devastating impact of drug abuse and recognizes that the most important approach is to invest in prevention, rehabilitation and reintegrating people back into society. This is key to protecting families, young lives and the welfare of the community. It is at the heart of our CSR work.

Our three-part strategy is aligned with national efforts and implemented through collaboration with local agencies. It addresses the issue holistically, from preventing drug abuse to helping people to recover from its effects:

• Prevention. Early intervention is important in preventing drug abuse. We collaborate with The National Committee for Narcotics Control (NCNC) in a national anti-drug initiative, Nebras. SABIC has allocated SAR 50 million to Nebras, which has programs covering education and awareness, empowering families and encouraging participation from civil society.
• Treatment. We believe that treatment for the victims of drug abuse should be accessible and effective. SABIC has therefore invested SAR 300 million in establishing a specialized hospital for mental health and addiction treatment in Riyadh. Following international best practice, the facility has 25 outpatient clinics and 150 beds, and offers opportunities for study and research as well as treatment.
• Rehabilitation. As they recover, people should be empowered to overcome their addiction and reintegrate into life and society with renewed strength. To support this goal, SABIC has invested SAR 54 million to establish the “Halfway Home” Center in Diryah, KSA, which is a haven for individuals going through rehabilitation.

SABIC’s holistic strategy to combat drug abuse stems from our belief that recovery is transformative, and that rehabilitated people make an invaluable contribution to their communities and the nation as a whole. Safeguarding people from drug abuse paves the way for healthy and secure futures for everyone.