Kuwait issues four ministerial decisions to tighten drug control and expand addiction treatment

Kuwait has issued four new ministerial decisions aimed at combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances while strengthening the country’s addiction treatment and rehabilitation framework, according to the Ministry of Health.

The measures, announced by Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, form part of the state’s broader approach to building an integrated legislative system that protects society and enhances health security.

The Ministry of Health said the first decision designates the AlSulaibiya Youth Centre building as a specialised facility for the rehabilitation and treatment of addiction patients.

The centre will operate under the name “Addiction Rehabilitation Centre”, in implementation of the provisions of Article (3) of Decree Law No. 159 of 2025.

Kuwait drugs laws

The ministry said the move confirms the state’s commitment to adopting an integrated treatment pathway for addiction patients, based on specialised health care and psychological and social rehabilitation.

The approach aims to enhance recovery opportunities and support the reintegration of recovering individuals into society within a safe and organised therapeutic environment.

The second decision establishes a detailed regulatory framework for approving medical reports and prescriptions related to narcotic substances and psychotropic drugs for individuals arriving from outside the country.

Under the framework, travellers may bring specific quantities of such medications for personal treatment within controlled time periods, provided that medical reports or prescriptions approved by official Kuwaiti authorities abroad are submitted. Approval may be completed through written attestation or via authorised electronic means.

Narcotics trade

According to the ministry, the third decision regulates the use and trade of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances within licensed governmental and private health facilities.

The regulations include requirements to obtain prior licences for import, export or transport, as well as rules governing the medical prescription and dispensing of these substances in line with approved standards and specified quantities.

Licensed entities are also required to document the movement of incoming and outgoing supplies in official records within defined time periods.

The decision further regulates the possession of certain substances by doctors in emergency situations and sets frameworks for handling them within hospitals, health centres and research laboratories.

The fourth decision introduces a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework governing the admission of addicts or drug users to addiction treatment and rehabilitation centres.

Addiction support

Admissions may take place through the patient’s own initiative, a report from a family member or employer, or a decision issued by the competent health authorities.

The framework emphasises confidentiality and the protection of personal privacy.

It also regulates reporting procedures and defines the role of the Public Prosecution and law courts in ordering detention instead of initiating criminal proceedings or imposing penalties.

Detention periods are capped at three months by decision of the Public Prosecution or one year in the case of a judicial ruling, with the possibility of early release in the event of recovery based on an approved medical report.

The Kuwait Ministry of Health said the four decisions together represent an integrated regulatory framework that reflects the state’s commitment to protecting society from the risks of drugs and psychotropic substances, while safeguarding patients’ rights to safe and organised treatment and strengthening the public health system in line with the highest professional and legislative standards.