Global experts in drug abuse disorders on way to Middle East summit in Abu Dhabi
More than 1,000 experts in the field of substance abuse and addiction disorders will gather in Abu Dhabi for a major conference opening today.
The event marks the first time the International Society for Substance Use Professionals has met in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Running until Monday, the conference at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre will be hosted by the National Rehabilitation Centre.
The event is being held in partnership with the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
“This conference seeks to build a global network of strategic partnerships between organisations and specialists in the field of substance use disorders,” said Dr Hamad Al Ghafri, who is director general of the National Rehabilitation Centre, in Abu Dhabi.
“It constitutes a unique opportunity to share knowledge about scientific and research developments in this field, as well as up-to-date effective interventions and best practices.” The organisers of the conference said it was one of the largest on substance misuse to take place since the coronavirus pandemic began.
In many nations, lockdowns and isolation led to a sharp rise in alcohol dependency and drug use, studies have shown.