Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) – With drug use on the rise across Lebanon, addiction recovery centers are seeing a growing number of patients, including children as young as nine. Despite the absence of official data on addiction and recovery rates, specialists report a worrying surge fueled by the widespread availability of narcotics in many regions.
At the forefront of addressing this crisis is “Oum El Nour,” a rehabilitation center offering free, comprehensive treatment programs for individuals struggling with addiction. While each case is unique, the center follows a structured process tailored to the patient’s substance of use, addiction history, and personal challenges—ranging from physical and mental health issues to social and legal setbacks.
Treatment Begins with Detox and Assessment
New patients at Oum El Nour undergo an in-depth intake process, involving both the individual and their family. A multidisciplinary team assesses the patient’s physical, psychological, and social condition to determine whether inpatient or outpatient care is needed.
Most cases begin with a 15- to 30-day detoxification phase in a hospital setting, after which patients transition to a 15-month residential rehabilitation program divided into five stages: newcomer, peer support, unit leader, supervision, and reintegration.
Rebuilding Structure and Responsibility
The first phase focuses on stability. Each patient is paired with a mentor and supported by a specialized team to manage the emotional challenges of early recovery, including fear, confusion, and resistance to a new lifestyle.
In the following phases, patients gradually take on more responsibility. They become mentors to new arrivals and later oversee one of the center’s functional units, such as the kitchen, agriculture, or maintenance. These roles help restore discipline and routine, reinforcing essential life skills through structured daily schedules and group therapy sessions focused on emotional expression and reconciliation.
Preparing for Life After Rehab
The final phase centers on reintegration, as patients begin reconnecting with the outside world. The center helps them explore education or employment opportunities, and provides support in rebuilding their social, emotional, and practical life skills.
Rehabilitation does not end upon leaving the center. Graduates enroll in a two-year follow-up program at Oum El Nour’s reintegration center, where they attend regular psychological and social support sessions to prevent relapse and plan for long-term stability. Patients are guided to set personal goals—whether returning to school, finding work, or reuniting with family—and are equipped with tools to manage life’s pressures without reverting to substance use.
Support for Families and Social Reintegration
Recognizing the critical role of family in recovery, Oum El Nour also engages relatives in the therapeutic process. Families often carry guilt or have lost trust in the recovering person. Counseling helps them rebuild healthy relationships and create a home environment free from pressure and judgment.
Social reintegration remains one of the toughest challenges. Stigma surrounding addiction makes it difficult for many to find employment, particularly when employers learn of their history. To address this, the center has worked to establish a network of understanding and supportive employers—some of whom have referred staff to the center and welcomed them back after recovery.
In some cases, Oum El Nour offers jobs to its own graduates. Several staff members and administrators are former patients who have successfully rebuilt their lives through the program.
Free, Inclusive Services with State and International Support
The organization is funded by Lebanon’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Affairs, as well as international aid and private donations. The staff includes a wide range of specialists to address the complex psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of addiction.
