Muscat: The National Platform for Awareness of the Dangers of Addiction and Psychotropic Substances, 'Hayat, ' was launched today, which is dedicated to providing comprehensive advisory services on drug and psychotropic substance prevention and treatment.
The platform is a partnership between the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Information, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.
The launch of this platform also comes in response to the social challenges associated with the spread of drugs and the increasing number of addicts, as well as the need for reliable guidance and awareness-raising data and information in one place. This is achieved by providing a safe, effective, and easily accessible online environment for prevention, support, awareness, guidance, treatment, and rehabilitation.
The platform aims to build a conscious and responsible community and create a safe, drug-free environment. It targets recovering addicts who have experienced addiction and need support and motivation to continue on the path to recovery and avoid relapse, addicts seeking change but who have not yet decided to change, and families with an addicted member seeking empowerment, understanding, and support.
The Hayat platform offers confidential and free counseling services in psychological, medical, social, and religious aspects, delivered by several qualified specialists.
The platform allows users to communicate directly with specialists via the toll-free consultation number (1110), which operates in complete confidentiality to provide psychological and social support, or through instant chat via the website “www.hayah.om,” in addition to providing visual and awareness materials, educational articles, and live visual and audio experiences for recovering addicts.
The platform features an interactive environment for various user groups. It doesn't offer direct content, but rather begins with a series of interactive questions that guide users along a personalized path, carefully designed to suit each group's psychological and social context. The platform is also easy to use, as any user can register and benefit from services in a few simple steps, which enhances trust and encourages individuals to take the initiative to seek assistance.
Hamoud bin Murdad Al-Shabibi, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Social Development, said: “The Hayat platform is a safe space for anyone in need of advice, support, or a deeper understanding of the nature of this scourge. The platform was built and designed with utmost privacy, in partnership with specialized entities, to be an integrated and influential platform.”
He added: "The platform is expected to have a positive impact at the societal level by enhancing public awareness of the dangers of drugs and providing early support to target groups, thus contributing to reducing negative effects and enhancing opportunities for preventive intervention." He pointed out that the platform will contribute to breaking the silence associated with seeking advice and support, encouraging individuals to take proactive steps towards prevention and treatment, and providing an effective and safe response based on scientific and professional foundations to deal with cases of drug use and addiction in a flexible digital environment.
The launch of the Hayat platform was accompanied by a community awareness campaign under the slogan "Welcome as you are." The campaign aims to promote the concepts of acceptance and psychosocial support, and encourage individuals to seek help without fear of stigma or societal judgment.
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