Middle East’s First Degree in Addiction Psychology Launched

Dr. Amr Osman, Director of the Anti-Drug and Addiction Treatment Fund, met with first-year students enrolled in a credit-hour program for a specialized degree in “Addiction Psychology and Therapeutic Methods” at the Faculty of Arts, Benha University. This meeting took place during practical training programs organized by the fund for students during the summer break at its affiliated centers.

This degree is the first of its kind in the Middle East, designed to equip graduates with professional skills and knowledge that enable them to keep pace with advancements in addiction research, community service, and treatment of addictive behaviors.

The event was attended by journalist Medhat Wahba, media advisor to the Anti-Drug and Addiction Treatment Fund, and Dr. Ahmed Al-Ketamy, General Director of Treatment Programs.

The launch of this specialized degree aligns with the educational component of Egypt’s national strategy for combating drugs and reducing the risks associated with substance abuse. This strategy is implemented under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and is being carried out in collaboration with relevant ministries and authorities.

During a lecture, Dr. Osman highlighted key insights from prevention science regarding effective programs and policies while distinguishing them from ineffective ones. He emphasized that awareness and prevention are complementary; effective prevention cannot exist without awareness, just as awareness without prevention remains unutilized information. He noted that prevention science does not view substance use as an isolated event but provides a comprehensive understanding of factors that make individuals susceptible to drug use, both at individual and environmental levels.

Dr. Osman discussed risk factors among targeted groups that increase the likelihood of substance use, such as genetic predisposition, personality traits (like impulsivity and psychological disorders), family neglect, academic failure, and marginalized environments. He also pointed out effective awareness characteristics through interactive education methods like brainstorming.

He encouraged students to excel academically while assuring them of practical training opportunities at the “Azima” centers operated by the Anti-Drug Fund. These centers offer a rich training environment designed to equip students with essential practical skills for entering the job market.

Furthermore, Dr. Osman stated that graduates would have priority for positions at Azima centers for addiction treatment or participation in prevention programs implemented by the fund across various youth sectors.

The program aims to prepare qualified graduates who excel in scientific research and its various techniques, capable of delivering applied professional performance in drug demand reduction, thereby meeting labor market needs both nationally and regionally. He noted that the curriculum for this program was developed based on modern prevention and treatment methodologies aligned with international standards to keep pace with rapid developments in drug-related issues.

The program focuses on producing graduates equipped with professional skills and knowledge necessary to advance scientific research in addiction, serve communities, treat addictive behaviors, as well as prepare specialists qualified in prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation from addiction.