Despite being predominantly a muslim-based country, Qatar also sees people suffering from substance addiction, particularly among the younger demographic.
Studies indicate that most of those who suffer from substance addiction in Qatar are students and unemployed young adults.
Fortunately, more recent clinical frameworks recognise substance addiction as a chronic brain disease in Qatar, marking an important shift away from purely moral or behavioural interpretations.
However, despite this medical classification, stigma surrounding addiction can still be significant within a predominantly Muslim society.
As alcohol and illicit drugs are prohibited for the local Muslim population, individuals struggling with substance use may find it particularly challenging to speak openly about their experiences or seek support without fear of judgement or social repercussions.
Substance addiction is a brain disease of chronic relapsing, affecting people both physically and psychologically.
When someone is living with drug or alcohol addiction, the alterations in their brain chemistry may lead to a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms that significantly impairs health.
In addition to leading to illnesses, social strain, and so on, untreated addiction can directly and indirectly lead to death.
When someone consumes an addictive substance, whether it be alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, or even caffeine, the brain releases chemicals such as dopamine.
Dopamine is responsible for experiencing feelings of pleasure, reward, and motivation, and is commonly experienced after exercising, sexual activity, eating, and so on. It can be a natural way to experience positive chemicals in the body.
However, substance addiction leads to a dependence on intoxication in order to experience these feelings.
When someone repeatedly consumes alcohol or drugs, it triggers these dopamine releases, and then we become dependent on these substances to experience pleasure.
After overstimulating our brain reward pathways with intoxicating substances, we begin to experience withdrawal symptoms without them.
Withdrawal symptoms can come in the form of fatigue, lethargy, nausea, headaches, or more extreme side effects such as tremors, anxiety, depression, and even seizures.
This leads to a mutually destructive cycle where people feel compelled to consume drugs or alcohol to function, despite the ill effects it has on their health.
The symptoms of substance addiction vary depending on the substance consumed, how much is consumed, the method of consumption, and other factors.
Personal factors, such as the user’s current mental health state, genetics, and physical condition will also determine the severity of particular symptoms.
Here are some of the most common changes and symptoms associated with addiction:
Long-term issues often lead to organ damage, cancers and diseases.
The most commonly reported organ issues among those suffering from substance addiction include liver damage and failure, cardiovascular issues, kidney damage, and even brain shrinkage.
Substance addiction can involve a wide range of drugs, including alcohol, prescription medications, stimulants, sedatives, and club drugs.
While some substances may be seen as less harmful, such as alcohol or cannabis, these can act as a gateway to other, more dangerous substances.
Even consuming less intense substances for stress relief, confidence or “Dutch courage” or any other form of escapism can lead to substance dependence.
What became as a one-time use for escapism can lead to the development of a habit, routine, or coping mechanism that then alters the reward pathways in the brain.
Addiction recovery is never a one-size-fits-all process, and it should be treated on a case-by-case basis due to the innumerable variables that each patient faces.
Because of these variables, it’s important that a patient receives a diagnosis from a medical professional to make the most out of their recovery journey.
When deciding on the appropriate method of recovery, the following factors will be taken into account:
Outpatient treatment allows individuals to receive structured support for their addiction while being able to maintain daily responsibilities, such as family obligations, their employment, and so on.
This option is often more appealing to those who are suffering from a milder form of addiction and have a strong support network at home.
With an outpatient recovery programme, patients will undergo therapy with licensed counsellors and also join support sessions with other patients recovering from addiction.
Inpatient treatment at a residential drug and alcohol rehab is more suitable to patients who are suffering from a more extreme form of addiction.
Often, inpatients will enter a drug and alcohol rehab for around 28 days, undergoing a range of treatment methods throughout their stay. Here, they will receive 24/7 supervision from medical professionals.
Typically, this option is more expensive than other recovery methods. This is because most residential drug and alcohol rehabs are privately operated.
Although this is a more expensive recovery method, patients will have access to higher levels of personalisation, services, and can focus entirely on their recovery in a safe and comfortable environment where relapse triggers are minimised.
Following assessment and admission, individuals entering a rehab programme can expect a structured and supportive recovery process.
Upon arrival, individuals are greeted by staff members at the facility and are familiarised with the policy, treatment schedule, and guidelines.
Staff members ensure that the rehab facility creates a safe, calm environment where patients feel supported from the outset.
If physical dependence is present, a medically supervised detox may be required.
Often, patients suffering from physical dependence are more vulnerable to dangerous withdrawal symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and seizures.
A medical detox allows substances to safely leave the body while medical professionals manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce health risks.
Therapy is a core component of addiction treatment. Individual and group sessions help patients explore the root causes of addiction, develop healthier coping strategies, and rebuild emotional resilience.
Common therapeutic approaches include:
Before completing treatment, individuals develop relapse prevention strategies to recognise triggers, manage cravings, and respond effectively to high-risk situations. A popular method of relapse prevention includes HALT, which teaches patients how to cope when they’re suffering from Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and Tiredness.
Recovery continues beyond rehab. Aftercare programmes provide ongoing counselling, peer support, and access to recovery groups to help individuals maintain long-term sobriety and stability.
Beyond Qatar, there are many countries that host international patients to undergo addiction recovery at a drug and alcohol rehab.
Many countries offer excellent private addiction treatment services, including but not limited to:
Substance addiction is a complex and deeply personal condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their culture or background.
In Qatar, recognising addiction as a medical issue rather than a moral failing is a crucial step toward reducing stigma and improving access to support.
With the right assessment, professional treatment, and ongoing aftercare, long-term recovery is not only possible but sustainable.
Whether seeking help locally or exploring treatment options abroad, taking the first step toward recovery can mark the beginning of a healthier, more stable, and fulfilling life.
If you want to initiate your recovery journey today, reach out to us at Rehab 4 Addiction by dialing the number 0800 140 4690 from the United Kingdom or +44 345 222 3508 internationally.
Whether you want to enquire about rehab options or you are seeking general advice from a friendly member of staff, we’re at your disposal to assist your recovery journey.
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