CAIRO — In the coastal governorate of Port Said on Aug. 1, the Egyptian Ministry of Social Solidarity's Anti-Addiction Treatment Fund implemented the initiative “Don’t Even Try” to raise awareness among citizens about the harmful effects of drug abuse and addiction. The initiative, had been launched July 28 in Alexandria, Matrouh and Kafr el-Sheikhon.

Ibrahim Askar, director of the fund’s Awareness and Education Program, told Al-Monitor, “The initiative focuses mainly on coastal cities, because there are large numbers of young people and families on the beaches during the summer. It is a great opportunity for us to deliver important messages about addiction and its damage.”

“Around 26,000 young volunteers are helping out,” Askar further explained. “We are distributing leaflets, to raise awareness about the dangers of addiction, and holding discussion sessions with youths and families on how to avoid abuse and the psychological and health damage it can cause.”

Askar noted that according to a study the fund published in 2016, 58% of addicts live with their parents, in normal, functioning homes, which is why the initiative focuses on families. In the past, family issues or the absence of a parent were thought to be major reasons leading to addiction.