Fighting Drug Addiction: Community Involvement Key to Success
Sungai Petani, Malaysia: Community involvement is crucial in achieving the goal of reducing drug addiction cases and increasing the recovery rate by 80 per cent by 2025, says Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
Building Trust through Community Involvement
Shamsul Anuar expressed confidence that the community would place their trust in the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) to carry out this significant mandate following amendments to the Drug Dependent (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 passed in August. He emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating that it is crucial for the success of the program.
Investing in the Community
"Community involvement is also very important… which is why we are inviting all segments of society, including academics and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to join in. This is because I believe that, with these amendments, drug recovery rates will improve when addicts are in the community rather than in prison," he told reporters after the AADK’s 3rd Certification Programme Commissioning Ceremony for 2024 at the AADK Training Centre in Sungai Petani today.
A Holistic Approach to Rehabilitation
Shamsul Anuar added that the AADK remained vigilant in adapting to evolving patterns of drug abuse and continued to implement the most suitable approaches to address issues based on current situations. He clarified that while the majority of addicts would undergo community-based rehabilitation, some would still require treatment at the Puspen (Drug Rehabilitation Centre), but would no longer be labelled as offenders, but rather as patients.
Preparing for the Future
Shamsul Anuar emphasized that the AADK would continue to evolve and adapt to new synthetic drugs, stating, "I am confident in the AADK’s capability to tackle new synthetic drugs… we have made various preparations, including expanding Puspen facilities, resources, and expertise."
Celebrating Successes and Milestones
At the ceremony, 475 AADK officers were awarded Certificates of Practice for the AADK Certification Programme, marking an important milestone in the agency’s efforts to combat drug addiction.
Conclusion
The success of the AADK’s efforts to reduce drug addiction cases and increase recovery rates relies heavily on community involvement. By working together with all segments of society, the agency can achieve its goal of reducing drug addiction cases by 80 per cent by 2025. It is crucial that the community trust the AADK to carry out this significant mandate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the goal of the AADK in reducing drug addiction cases?
A: The AADK aims to reduce drug addiction cases by 80 per cent by 2025.
Q: What is the importance of community involvement in achieving this goal?
A: Community involvement is crucial in achieving the goal, as it allows for a holistic approach to rehabilitation and provides support for addicts.
Q: What is the current approach to drug rehabilitation in Malaysia?
A: The AADK is taking a mixed approach, with the majority of addicts undergoing community-based rehabilitation, while some will still require treatment at the Puspen Drug Rehabilitation Centre.