Saudi Arabia Addiction Therapeutics Market Analysis

Saudi Arabia Addiction Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

Saudi Arabia addiction therapeutics market was valued at $172 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to reach $327 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period.

Addiction treatment is a broad field that includes a variety of treatments for people struggling with substance use disorders or behavioural addictions. It aims to address the root causes and consequences of addiction, help people achieve lasting recovery, and improve their overall well-being. Medications and supportive care alleviate the physical and psychological discomfort associated with withdrawal from addictive substances. Addiction is treated in a variety of ways, including motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural therapy. In situations such as opioid use disorder, medications help to prevent relapse, manage withdrawal symptoms, and reduce cravings.

7–8% of Saudis have been using drugs; 70% of all people who use drugs are 12–22 years old. The most frequently used abuse substances among Saudis are Amphetamines, Heroin, Alcohol, and Cannabis. A majority of the population is addicted to the use of multiple substances. Over the past decade, the use of cannabis and amphetamines has increased, while the use of heroin and volatile substances has decreased.

The prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), and HIV among around 10,000 Saudis who inject drugs was 7.7%, 3.5%, and 77.8%, respectively. As substance use is stigmatized and disclosure is associated with fear, the estimate of substance use disorders may be underestimated. Major cities have seen the establishment of additional clinics, and a substantial budget of $1 Bn annually has been set aside for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug users.

Leading Saudi Arabian research institutes, such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Umm Al-Qura University, are actively engaged in groundbreaking investigations that aim to investigate novel techniques for the treatment of addiction. KAUST is a leader in the field of research on the possible therapeutic uses of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic ingredient in "magic mushrooms," with a particular emphasis on how well it works to treat methamphetamine and other substance addictions. Also, Umm Al-Qura University is carrying out clinical trials to assess the efficacy of treating alcohol dependence in patients by combining behavioural therapy with the opioid antagonist naltrexone.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Mental Health Awareness and Accessibility: There has been a significant increase in mental health awareness among the population. This increased awareness has led to greater acceptance of mental health issues and more individuals seeking help and services. Additionally, increased access to mental health services, including addiction treatment, is also contributing to increased demand for addiction treatment services.

Changing Societal Attitudes: People are more likely to seek treatment when stigma is lessened and addiction is seen as a medical issue that can be treated rather than a moral failing. Addiction treatment drug demand is rising as a result of this shift in perception.

Market Restraints

Stigma and Cultural Attitudes: Cultural understanding of addiction and social stigma surrounding mental health issues and addictions can dissuade people from seeking treatment for substance abuse disorders. There is a reluctance and humiliation in acknowledging and addressing mental health and substance use disorders, which results in under-reporting and a reduced willingness to seek help.

Regulatory and Policy Challenges: There are complicated regulatory frameworks, bureaucratic hurdles, and inconsistent policies can impede the progress and expansion of addiction therapeutic services. It can be challenging for organizations and addiction therapeutic providers to comply with numerous regulations and processes. This could hinder with the development and growth of the addiction therapeutic market.

Workforce Shortages and Training: There may be a lack of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and addiction counsellors, which may restraint the opportunity and access to addiction treatment. Also, it could be challenging to ensure that the workforce is appropriately skilled in the evidence-based practices for addiction therapeutics. These factors could influence the market for addiction therapeutics in its growth and development.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

National Mental Health Strategy (2020-2024): Saudi Arabia launched the National Mental Health Policy in 2006, which consists of counselling and communication services in general medical facilities, as well as specialist programs for drug and alcohol dependent patients, children, adolescents and the elderly. This program was designed to cover the requirements of all age groups.

Ministry of Health: MoH acts as the primary governing body which is responsible for health policy, regulations and the country's overall health system. It oversees and inspects different forms of policy implementation for addiction treatment services, substance abuse disorders and mental health services.

Saudi Food and Drug Authority: Main objective of SFDA is to establish safety, quality and effectiveness of medicines and to grant marketing authorization for medicines. They carry out quality control of OTC drugs to ensure safety and give drug information from reliable sources to public and health care providers who need it. It monitors the registration, licensing, import, and distribution of pharmaceutical products, including medications used in addiction treatment. To enter the addiction treatment market in Saudi Arabia you need approval and license from SFDA.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Eradah (Al Amal) Mental Health Complex
• Taif Mental Health Hospital
• KAAUH developmental Hospital
• Pfizer
• Novartis
• GSK
• Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare Dhahran
• Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group
• AbbVie
• Saudi German Hospitals Group