ABU DHABI: The warning comes as part of the newly launched Drug Prevention Guide, which has been distributed to all schools across the country in collaboration with the Drug Control Council and the National Drug Prevention Programme.
The guide aims to raise awareness among students, parents, and educators about the risks of drug abuse, including false beliefs surrounding sedatives. Officials emphasized that self-medicating with sedatives does not treat depression, boost energy, or improve memory, and instead poses severe health risks.
Sedatives are medications used to calm the nervous system and are commonly prescribed for anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep disorders. However, misuse—especially mixing them with alcohol—can lead to severe side effects, including respiratory depression, heart failure, and organ damage.
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The ministry urged parents to watch for signs of drug abuse, which may include:
Severe mood swings
Lack of focus and attention
Unusual or aggressive behavior
Memory loss and movement difficulties
The Parents’ Guide to Drug Prevention, included in the campaign, outlines the devastating consequences of drug addiction:
Physical effects: Heart disorders, liver infections, weight loss, immune system damage, and sudden death.
Psychological effects: Anxiety, depression, hallucinations, emotional instability, and suicidal tendencies.
Social effects: Family breakdown, crime, and negative role models for children.
Economic effects: Reduced productivity and financial burdens from addiction treatment.
The ministry called on parents and educators to take an active role in early detection and prevention, offering key strategies such as:
Talk to children calmly about the dangers of drug use.
Be prepared for emotional reactions and provide reassurance.
Establish firm but supportive household rules.
If concerns arise, consult specialists or treatment centres for guidance.
The Ministry of Education ensures the widespread distribution of the guide to empower parents, teachers, and students to tackle drug abuse. The guide also highlights emerging threats like synthetic drugs disguised as dried leaves, which can cause kidney damage, heart attacks, and even death.
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