The 'Awnuk' Social Rehabilitation Centre, affiliated with the Community Development Authority in Dubai, organised an awareness event titled 'Social Stigma', which addressed the concept of 'al-ta'youra' as a form of societal stigma associated with people recovering from addiction. The event was held at the Al Aweer Majlis as part of the 'Lammet Khair' initiative, coinciding with World Anti-Drugs Day 2026, within the framework of efforts aimed at enhancing community awareness and consolidating a culture of support and inclusion.
The event sought to shed light on the psychological and social effects of addiction-related stigma on recovering individuals and their families, and to raise awareness of the importance of providing a supportive environment that contributes to enhancing opportunities for recovery and positive integration into society, enabling those in recovery to restore their stability and continue their active roles in various aspects of life.
The event included awareness sessions and interactive discussions addressing the most prominent challenges that recovering individuals may face following treatment, alongside presentations of real-life experiences that affirmed the importance of the role of the family and community in supporting the recovery journey, building self-confidence, and creating appropriate conditions for building a stable and productive life.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al Hammadi, Director of the Care and Rehabilitation Department at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, affirmed that addressing addiction-related social stigma represents one of the fundamental pillars in supporting the sustainability of recovery and enabling those in recovery to resume their natural roles in society. He added: