Addiction Treatment Fund Served 114,717 Patients in Early 2025

The Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Substance Abuse has reported that it provided treatment and support services to 114,717 patients during the first nine months of 2025, including new cases and follow-ups. The fund’s free services — which include hotline assistance, rehabilitation, and community reintegration — were delivered across 35 treatment and partner centres in 20 governorates. Men accounted for 96% of the cases, while women made up 4%. Calls to the national hotline 16023 revealed that 35% of contacts came directly from patients, while 13% came from mothers, and siblings contributed another 14%. Online outreach, including social media, led as the primary source of awareness for the service. The most reported substances were synthetic drugs such as crystal meth, Estrox and Voodoo, followed by hashish, heroin, tramadol and multiple-substance abuse.  The report also identified key drivers for addiction: friends rated 63% as an influence, while curiosity reached 23%. Regarding treatment motivators, health deterioration accounted for 36% and financial difficulties for 25%. The fund emphasised that anyone voluntarily seeking help through the hotline is eligible for free treatment in complete confidentiality, without immediate legal proceedings, unless workplace testing or legal campaigns intervene.