How do I help my brother if he's using drugs? A guide for siblings in Kuwait
A clear answer from the Restart team — reviewed November 2026.
Start calmly: notice and note what you see, talk to him at a quiet moment without accusing him, and don't carry it alone — bring in a parent or someone he trusts. Kuwaiti law lets family members request treatment for a relative who uses drugs without criminal proceedings when the case meets the legal criteria, and treatment can happen inside Kuwait or abroad.
- A brother or sister is often the first to notice — and the most likely to be heard
- Ministry of Interior: relatives up to the third degree can file a treatment report via 112 or 1884141
- Don't cover up the use or give him money — that isn't support
Between loyalty to your brother and fear for him
Many siblings know before the parents, and the brother asks them 'don't tell anyone'. Silence feels like loyalty, but it gives the use time to grow. Tell him clearly that you won't shame him, but you won't stay silent forever, and that you'll stand with him in getting help. Real loyalty is keeping him alive and well.
How do you open the conversation?
Pick a time when he's sober and calm, not after a fight. Start with what you've seen ('I've noticed you're not sleeping and you're on edge') rather than labels ('you're an addict'). Ask and listen more than you talk. Expect denial the first time; the aim is to plant the idea of help, not to win the argument.
When should you involve your parents or official help?
If there is danger to his life or anyone else's, driving under the influence, signs of psychosis or talk of self-harm — don't wait: call emergency services on 112. Outside emergencies, the Ministry of Interior announced in December 2025 that family members up to the third degree can file a report for a relative's treatment via 112 or 1884141, so they are treated at an approved medical facility without criminal proceedings when the case meets the legal criteria. The person can also request treatment voluntarily at a licensed centre.
Inside Kuwait or abroad?
The Ministry of Health's Addiction Treatment Center has wards for voluntary admission, for women and for dual diagnosis, and it is a core option. Some families choose treatment outside Kuwait for distance from the surroundings and friends linked to the use, or for a longer stay with an Arabic-speaking team and a programme that involves the family. The decision should rest on an assessment of the case, not on fear of what people will say.
Sources
Kuwait Ministry of Interior via Arab Times (12 Dec 2025): arabtimesonline.com/news/families-in-kuwait-can-now-report-drug-addiction-cases-safely-and-legally — Decree-Law 159 of 2025 in force from 15 Dec 2025: aljarida.com/article/117744 — Addiction Treatment Center wards: arabtimesonline.com/news/drug-abuse-sees-major-dip-in-kuwait
How Restart helps
How do I persuade someone I love to get treatment?
Learn more →Family Programs
Learn more →How can I tell if my son is using drugs?
Learn more →Online Programs
Learn more →General educational content from the Restart team — not a substitute for a medical assessment. In an emergency, call emergency services immediately. · Last reviewed: November 2026
FAQ
How do I help my brother if he's using drugs? A guide for siblings in Kuwait
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