Nadine Koukach
All Authors:N.Koukach1, W. Foad1, A. H. Elmougy1, P. Riggs2. 1Erada Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation ,United Arab Emirates; 2Univesity of Colorado School of Medicine, United States
Background:
Alcohol and substance use disorder is a global challenge, particularly among adolescents and young adults, where addiction often starts early2,3. A concerning percentage of adolescents engage in illicit drug use, exposing themselves to increased health risks3. In the Arab region, including the UAE, substance abuse is increasing. Erada Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation (ECTR) stands out as one of few facilities in the Arab region and one of only two addiction rehabilitation centers for adults in the UAE. ECTR has proactively launched the region's first unit dedicated to adolescent addiction. In collaboration with the University of Colorado, ECTR introduced the Encompass Intervention—an evidence-based substance treatment for adolescents and young adults. This comprehensive 16-module program integrates skills-based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing to address maladaptive behaviors and inspire positive change1. Notably, ECTR is the first institution outside the USA to implement the Encompass Intervention.
Method:
ECTR proactively addresses adolescent addiction through the Encompass Intervention. Trained therapists, supervised by Prof. Riggs, ensure program fidelity for early intervention, emphasizing education and therapy. This aligns with a public health perspective, emphasizing therapeutic interventions to break the cycle of addiction and enhance community well-being.
Conclusion:
Over the course of nine months, the Encompass Intervention program has enrolled over 15 patients, demonstrating improved retention and abstinence rates in a small-scale cross-sectional study. This is particularly notable among those who completed the Encompass course modules, aligning with the center's strategy for tailoring interventions based on individual needs across different age groups.
Supported by:
Erada Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, Medical Department, Dubai, UAE University of Colorado School of Medicine, Colorado, United States of America
References:
1. Riggs, P., Wyatt, J., Klein, C. (2017.) Encompass Treatment Intervention Manual 2. HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data cited online at: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/11/13/hhs-samhsa-release-2022-natio…)%20who%20used%20tobacco%20products%2C 3. High-Risk Substance Use Among Youth cited online at: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/substance-use/index.htm 4. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, Drug Use Among Youth: Facts & Statistics cited online at: https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use/ 5. Fouché, A. Et al. (2023) Alcohol and substance dependence in the United Arab Emirates: a scoping review protocol, BMJ Open. 2023; 13(5) cited online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10174018/