Teenager receives help after mother identifies warning signs and contacts authorities.
Sharjah: A mother’s timely decision to approach Sharjah Police after noticing concerning changes in her teenage son’s behaviour helped prevent the 16-year-old from progressing further into drug abuse, a senior police official said.
Brigadier Majid Sultan Al Asam, Director of the Prevention and Drug Control Department at Sharjah Police, told that the case emerged after the mother observed warning signs in her son, including excessive sleeping and repeatedly asking for money. Her early intervention allowed authorities to provide the necessary support and assistance.
Concerned by the changes, the mother looked into the situation more closely and discovered that her 16-year-old son had begun using drugs.
Brigadier Al Asam said the mother initially tried to deal with the situation on her own and chose not to tell the boy’s father, fearing he might react harshly. She later recognised that professional intervention was necessary and sought assistance from Sharjah Police.
Police responded immediately in accordance with established procedures designed to protect young people, provide appropriate support, and ensure families receive the assistance they need in drug-related cases.
Brigadier Al Asam said the mother initially attempted to manage the situation privately and chose not to inform the teenager’s father, fearing he might respond harshly. She later realised the case required professional intervention and contacted Sharjah Police for assistance.
Officers acted immediately in accordance with established procedures aimed at safeguarding young people, providing appropriate support, and ensuring families receive the guidance and assistance they need in drug-related cases.
Brigadier Al Asam said such circumstances can leave teenagers more vulnerable to negative influences and peer pressure, increasing the risk of experimenting with drugs.
He stressed that continuous parental supervision remains the first line of defence in protecting children from harmful behaviours.
Warning signs parents should watch for
The senior officer urged parents to remain alert to sudden changes in their children’s behaviour or daily routines, including social withdrawal, irregular sleeping patterns, declining academic performance, unexplained spending, and concerns about the places they frequently visit.
He advised families not to dismiss these warning signs and to seek professional support as early as possible if they have concerns.
Brigadier Al Asam urged parents to contact the Drug Control Department immediately if they suspect a child is using drugs, stressing that early intervention is critical and that families should not attempt to manage such cases on their own.
Professional treatment is essential
He said many families may lack the specialised knowledge needed to deal effectively with substance abuse, making professional support an important part of the recovery process.
After a case is reported, the department assesses the individual’s situation and, where necessary, refers them to specialised treatment centres and rehabilitation clinics across the UAE.
Brigadier Al Asam emphasised that early intervention remains one of the most effective ways to prevent young people from developing more serious drug dependency, adding that prompt reporting can help protect lives and support teenagers in returning to a healthy future.
328 families sought help for children
Over the past three years, 328 families have approached Sharjah Police seeking treatment and rehabilitation for their children, reflecting growing public awareness of the importance of early intervention, Brigadier Majid Sultan Al Asam said.
He added that the youngest drug user recorded by the authorities was 14 years old and urged parents to remain alert to warning signs such as social isolation, declining academic performance, and sudden changes in behaviour.
Brigadier Al Asam said Sharjah Police deploy specialised teams supported by artificial intelligence to monitor websites and social media platforms used to promote drugs or target young people. Authorities have blocked 3,160 websites linked to illegal drug promotion, financial crimes, and other forms of criminal exploitation, while taking legal action against those operating within the UAE.
He added that Sharjah Police also cooperate with international law enforcement agencies to trace suspects overseas and dismantle cross-border online drug trafficking networks.
