Opened in 2000, the National Centre specialized in the treatment, prevention, and research on addictions (CNTPRA) has offered a real lifeline to drug addicts since that date. Built within the Arrazi Hospital in Sale, this establishment is intended to be a space for rehabilitation and treatment of addiction cases. Thanks to a professional medical team that has benefited from advanced training, the centre provides medical and psychological assistance to patients determined to end their addiction problems. With a reception capacity of 22 beds, including 16 reserved for men and 6 for women, the centre receives patients aged 17 to 65. The latter suffer from different kinds of addiction linked notably to alcohol and drugs (cocaine, heroin, hashish, psychotropics, and others).

The centre also treats other forms of addiction, such as those linked to video games and shopping. According to a medical executive at the CNTPRA, those "addicted" to alcohol come at the head of the cases treated, followed by those presenting a dependence on drugs. Generally, these are young people aged 17 to 35. Most are, moreover, students or unemployed. They almost all have a common trait: they are single. Given that this structure is the only one existing in Morocco, admission to the centre is done after studying the file. It is the patient's family or their family doctor or psychiatrist who establishes the first contact with the team. The latter then evaluates the need to hospitalize the patient or to administer outpatient care. These are generally the most difficult cases that are admitted for hospitalization. This can last from one to three months depending on the nature and degree of the patient's addiction, but also on their willingness to get out of it and leave the addiction. Considered a chronic disease, drug addiction is not easy to cure. Many are, moreover, the patients who relapse after a long period of treatment. But this observation does not despair the medical team, which considers this behaviour a normal reaction, especially if the patient has been dragging behind them long years of addiction. The stay at the centre takes place in two stages. The patient first goes through a withdrawal period that can last from 7 to 10 days. Then, they begin a convalescence period also called the post-cure period. This time is reserved for preparing the patient to reintegrate into their environment and face all temptations. "One must recognize the difficulty of the two stages. The patient must show great will and unwavering commitment if they want to succeed in their therapy. The team is sensitive to the suffering of the patients during their stays at the hospital and accompanies them very closely throughout their presence here. But we show ourselves to be very strict with patients who are caught consuming prohibited substances during the stay. These risk expulsion from the centre," announces Doctor Fatima Omari, a psychiatrist specialized in the treatment of drug addiction. But, fortunately, expulsion does not mean the end of treatment, because the patient can continue their treatment from home. They will indeed be able to be followed by the team while staying with their family. These cases are, moreover, legion. Indeed, adolescents have difficulty submitting to the rules and relapse quickly. Not measuring the impact of addiction on their lives, they are more inclined to recidivate than patients of a certain age who show more willingness to follow the treatment. The women treated in this establishment do not deviate from this rule.

There are six cases in all and for all. But requests for admission have been becoming more and more important in recent years.

Whether it concerns women, men, or adolescents, more than a treatment centre, the CNTPRA represents a glimmer of hope for patients and their families and offers them the opportunity to find a normal life after a long crossing of the desert...

Created in April 2000, the National Centre for Treatment, Prevention, and Research on Addictions includes several spaces specially arranged to accompany the patient and support them so that they better endure their treatment.

This establishment therefore includes a gym, a games and music room, a library as well as two relaxation rooms, a therapeutic treatment space, and group sessions, in addition to other examination and treatment rooms. The centre has the latest cutting-edge technologies in the field for the treatment of patients and meets international standards.

-* Equipped with 22 beds, the centre welcomes patients aged 17 to 65 who suffer from different kinds of addiction.

-* Stay

-* The stay at the centre takes place in two stages. The patient first goes through a withdrawal period that can last from 7 to 10 days. Then, they begin a convalescence period also called the post-cure period.