Drug Use in Egypt Falls From 10.2% to 5.5%

Drug use in Egypt has decreased to 5.5% from 10.2% since 2014, according to the latest national survey, while the addiction rate fell to 2.3% from 3.4%. The figures were shared by the Cabinet Media Centre, which noted that the current rates align with global averages. The data indicated lower prevalence among specific groups. Drug use among employees in the state’s administrative apparatus decreased to 1% in 2025 from 8% in 2019, while use among school bus drivers dropped to 0.5% in 2025 from 12% in 2017. Treatment and recovery services have been expanded, with the number of addiction treatment and rehabilitation centres rising by 183.3% to 34 centres across 19 governorates in 2025, up from 12 centres in 7 governorates in 2014. Cases presenting at treatment centres increased by 79.3% to 99.7 thousand in August 2025, compared to 55.6 thousand in 2014. A confidential hotline continues to guide people who use drugs toward free treatment. Prevention and awareness efforts have been broadened nationwide. Authorities implemented 70 thousand activities across 25 thousand schools and 9 thousand activities at youth centres and sports clubs, targeting 100 public, private, civil and technological universities and 100 higher institutes. Programmes also covered 911 villages over four years in coordination with the Haya Karima initiative, and 45 thousand families benefited from 3,360 activities over five years in developed alternative housing areas. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime confirmed that Egypt is the first country to implement the “CHAMPS” initiative to strengthen prevention systems for children up to adolescence. Field and media campaigns were rolled out in parallel. The “Your Decision” initiative targeted public-sector workplaces in 1,202 establishments and reached about 275 thousand employees across 25 governorates. The “Arrive Safely” initiative targeted drivers and travellers with more than 1,260 field campaigns. The “You Are Stronger Than Drugs” campaign reported a 500% increase in hotline treatment requests and more than 186 million digital views, while “Drugs Will Drag You To The End” reported a similar 500% rise in hotline calls and more than 76 million views. Capacity-building measures included an applied professional diploma in addiction treatment and demand reduction launched with Cairo University in 2018, and a specialised bachelor’s degree in 'Addiction Psychology and Therapeutic Methods' at Benha University starting in the 2025/2026 academic year. About 45 thousand people benefited from vocational rehabilitation and economic empowerment programmes since 2014 through initiatives such as 'A New Beginning' for small-project lending and 'Learn A Craft' for labour market preparation.