UAE Launches 24/7 Hotline for Drug Addiction Recovery
24/7 confidential help, treatment, and legal protection for people seeking addiction recovery.
The UAE has launched Hisn, a 24/7 hotline created to help people struggling with drug addiction get treatment, rehabilitation and professional support without fear of legal action. The initiative was announced by the National Drug Enforcement Authority and aims to make recovery easier by offering full confidentiality, privacy and legal protection for people who ask for help voluntarily.
People can contact the service on the toll-free number 80044. The hotline connects callers with psychiatrists, addiction specialists and behavioural counsellors at any time of the day. It reflects the UAE’s wider approach to substance abuse, which now focuses more on treatment and rehabilitation along with prevention and security.
A Human-Centred Approach to Recovery
Hisn is based on the idea that people facing addiction need medical care and support, not punishment.
When a person or family member calls the hotline, trained specialists first provide an immediate consultation. They then complete a full clinical assessment. Based on this, experts prepare a personal treatment and rehabilitation plan according to the individual’s needs. The treatment focuses on both the physical and mental causes of addiction, while also helping patients deal with withdrawal and regain stability.
The National Drug Enforcement Authority said that fighting substance abuse needs awareness and open conversation. It added that empowering minds is an important part of prevention.
Rehabilitation Beyond Detox
Recovery does not end with detox, and the Hisn programme understands that. It works with leading medical centres across the UAE to provide complete psychological and behavioural rehabilitation.
Participants also receive life skills training and support to build mental strength so they can handle daily pressure without relapse. The programme also helps rebuild family ties and supports people as they return to society and move back into productive life.
Support for Families
The service also gives parents scientific and clinical guidance to spot early behavioural and psychological signs of substance abuse in children.
Families are taught how to identify online drug networks that are increasingly targeting teenagers. At the same time, young people are encouraged to build self-awareness and say no to anything that may harm their health and future.
Four Key Assurances
To encourage more people to seek treatment without delay, the Hisn service is supported by four main guarantees under UAE law:
- Complete confidentiality: Personal details, call records and all data are kept fully confidential.
- Absolute privacy: Every case is handled with respect, treating addiction as a private medical issue while protecting the person’s and family’s reputation.
- Access to advanced care: Patients are referred to top medical facilities that follow recognised clinical standards.
- Legal immunity: People who voluntarily seek treatment, or are referred by family members through Hisn, are exempt from criminal liability and prosecution.
Encouraging People to Seek Help
The National Drug Enforcement Authority said the aim of this initiative is to remove the fear that often stops people from asking for help. By bringing together medical treatment, psychological rehabilitation, family support and legal protection, the authority wants to reassure individuals and families that recovery is possible and support is available at every step.
AI contributed to the creation of this article.