Growing numbers of elderly people in Bahrain are being treated for drug addiction, according to counselors at the Ministry of Interior’s anti-narcotics directorate.

“More pensioners are coming forward seeking help to kick the habit, including those using heroin, said a spokesman from a rehabilitation centre run by the directorate. 'Most of these people were once addicts but then decided to focus on their families.'

'Their children are married and they are grandparents, but now they are back to their old habits of taking drugs as they have no major responsibilities.'

He said cases involving pensioners were often tough for counsellors to deal with.

'They are senior citizens and it's difficult for our counsellors to explain to them the process or steps, which they are well aware of but fail to follow,' he added.

The news emerged as the Ministry prepares to celebrate International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking today.

Senior officials from the Interior Ministry and Northern Governorate are set to open a week-long workshop at the Country Mall in Budaiya at 10am, featuring lectures and distribution of brochures and booklets to raise awareness about drug abuse.

Four people have died of drug overdose this year.

A total of 325 people (323 men and two women) have been arrested for drug-related offences this year, according to the latest figures. These include 168 Bahrainis, 120 Gulf nationals, 31 foreigners and six Arabs.

The Ministry has a 24-hour hotline to assist addicts and their families in the fight against drug abuse.

'Callers are asked to provide CPR and other details of the addict so that, depending on the case, assistance can be provided,' the spokesman said. 'In serious or emergency cases teams from the ministry, including health and hospital officials, are dispatched to handle the case.'

Our sister newspaper, the Gulf Daily News, reported earlier this month that a 120-patient drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre was being set up by the Health and Interior ministries to provide high standards of treatment. – TradeArabia News Service