Emirati youth want real facts on drug addiction

The National spoke to a number of university students who said that real-life stories and an open forum without fear of prosecution is what is needed for police to get the anti-drugs message across.

DUBAI // Young Emirati men who are the target of police anti-drug campaigns say short documentaries about struggling or recovering drug addicts would be more effective than lectures at communicating the message.

“I think Dubai Police is heading in the right direction by using social media to reach the younger generation,” said Ahmed Ibrahim Gheyath, 19. “But I also think they should show us videos of real people who have struggled or are struggling with addiction.”

Mohammad Al Awadhi, also 19, said: “The police need to be more open to the younger generation and explain to us exactly what these different kinds of drugs do and what their effects are.

“It’s not enough to simply say that these drugs will get you high and if anyone is caught doing drugs, their life will change because they will go to jail. Before talking about prosecution, let’s talk about how it will affect our health, our social life, our education.”

Ahmed Falaknaz, 22, said portraying real-life obstacles would have an impact and give young people real food for thought.

“Police should show real images, short documentaries of real people with real issues, and not a person who is just acting,” he said. “They can use different social platforms, including Instagram.”

For Abdullah Saleem, 18, the universal campaign Say No To Drugs has become redundant.

“We have received messages on our phones to Say No To Drugs, and it’s kind of ridiculous,” he said. “Everyone knows they should say no to drugs, but they need to know why it is imperative to not take drugs. They should have the actual facts about what each drug does and what its effects are.”

Ali Lary, 28, said talks between the authorities and young people should be open and honest.

“Awareness should be raised in a way that doesn’t feel threatening,” he said. “Young people should be able to discuss drug issues without fearing they will be implicated.”

Mr Gheyath said the new generation was more open-minded and ready to discuss issues that were deemed controversial in the past.

“I think it’s OK to want to expose yourself to the awareness campaigns of drugs without having the fear people may suspect you of being involved in drug activity,” he said. “When you read about such issues, you are merely educating yourself, and I don’t believe anyone should think otherwise.”

Dubai Police plan to launch a new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of drug use that will make more of an impact on the younger generation.

“It’s a fast-changing society, and we need to keep up with the times,” said Col Eid Mohammad Thani Hareb, director of the Anti-Narcotics Department. “What was effective 10 years ago may not be as effective now.”

He said awareness and protection were Dubai Police’s first line of defence in combating drug use.

“We are not merely a unit that enforces and makes arrests. We are also a force that wants to make an impact and raise awareness,” he said.