Drug abuse relapse still occurs after rehab, says case worker
'Even after a year of the amendments to Act 283, it is still very under prepared, which affects how effective we are in mitigating the issue.
'There needs to be a holistic system. After rehabilitation, they need to reintegrate into society. Just getting them out of prison isn't enough,' said Thain when asked to comment on the current state of affairs in the rehabilitation of drug offenders.
He argued that it is very easy for former addicts to reoffend when the right support is not provided.
'Even being in rehab temporarily won't help if the root issue isn't addressed. When they come out, they often return to their old habits. So, it can't just be a change of place.
'Otherwise, they enter AADK, then come out, offend again, go back in ... it's a cycle.
'Many go back because there's no societal support, no place to go.
'Even if they're not criminalised anymore, the stigma remains.
'So the government needs to do more than just keep them out of prison,' Thain said, adding that community-based organisations and authorities should step up their game.
'After rehab, what happens? Where's the support system? Where do they go? They face family stress, discrimination, and generational trauma. And many want real change.
'But they're not only battling external stigma from society, they're also facing internal stigma.
'The shame of being labelled a drug user or former addict,' he said, adding that it is an uphill climb as drug addiction has been criminalised for so long.
'The amendments haven't come with the support system needed for society to actually receive it properly.
'After rehabilitation, there should be provisions for treatment, workshops, and support groups to help reintegrate into society.
'That 'aftercare' plan is critical,' said Thain.
He also pointed at Portugal as a model that is worthy of emulation.
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The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Drug abuse relapse still occurs after rehab, says case worker
PETALING JAYA: While amendments to Act 283 did keep some drug abusers out of prison, it does little to stop those who were rehabilitated from relapsing, says Benjamin Thain, a case worker and advocate in drug addiction intervention. 'Even after a year of the amendments to Act 283, it is still very under prepared, which affects how effective we are in mitigating the issue. 'There needs to be a holistic system. After rehabilitation, they need to reintegrate into society. Just getting them out of prison isn't enough,' said Thain when asked to comment on the current state of affairs in the rehabilitation of drug offenders. He argued that it is very easy for former addicts to reoffend when the right support is not provided. 'Even being in rehab temporarily won't help if the root issue isn't addressed. When they come out, they often return to their old habits. So, it can't just be a change of place. 'Otherwise, they enter AADK, then come out, offend again, go back in ... it's a cycle. 'Many go back because there's no societal support, no place to go. 'Even if they're not criminalised anymore, the stigma remains. 'So the government needs to do more than just keep them out of prison,' Thain said, adding that community-based organisations and authorities should step up their game. 'After rehab, what happens? Where's the support system? Where do they go? They face family stress, discrimination, and generational trauma. And many want real change. 'But they're not only battling external stigma from society, they're also facing internal stigma. 'The shame of being labelled a drug user or former addict,' he said, adding that it is an uphill climb as drug addiction has been criminalised for so long. 'The amendments haven't come with the support system needed for society to actually receive it properly. 'After rehabilitation, there should be provisions for treatment, workshops, and support groups to help reintegrate into society. 'That 'aftercare' plan is critical,' said Thain. He also pointed at Portugal as a model that is worthy of emulation.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Treatment for drug dependency better as a path for recovery
PETALING JAYA: Even though the decriminalisation of drug dependency last year managed to keep many addicts out of prison, much more needs to be done to ensure their successful reintegration into wider society, say authorities and activists. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic) said since the amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 (Act 283) were gazetted in October 2024, the government, through the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), has implemented a new mechanism that prioritises treatment and rehabilitation over imprisonment for drug addiction offences – particularly for first-time offenders and those not involved in drug trafficking. In an interview, he said between January and July this year, a total of 1,594 detainees for various drug-related offences (minus trafficking) have been screened and assessed for further rehabilitation. 'This amendment recognises that addiction is a recurring disease that requires ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, and should not immediately result in imprisonment or corporal punishment. 'AADK has also strengthened its initiatives to transform drug treatment and rehabilitation in Malaysia by introducing Drug Screening and Assessment Centres (DAC). 'These centres use a single-point-entry approach and empower AADK rehabilitation officers as experts in screening and assessment. 'The purpose of establishing DACs is to speed up the process for detainees to receive treatment and rehabilitation, without waiting for pathology results,' said Saifuddin Nasution. Currently, the four DACs are in Tampin, Kuala Muda (Kedah), Gambang (Pahang), as well as at AADK's headquarters in Kajang. 'This provision focuses on a policy shift from imprisonment to treatment and rehabilitation. 'We can see that when an individual commits a drug-related offence, especially under Section 15(1)(a) of the DDA 1952, they will be diverted to treatment and rehabilitation, either through Institutional Rehabilitation Treatment Programme (RPDI) or the Community-Based Rehabilitation Treatment Programme (RPDK). 'This step not only helps individuals avoid further imprisonment but also reduces prison overcrowding and allows individuals to maintain employment throughout their recovery process,' he added. As of Aug 8, a total of 51,513 drug dependents are undergoing RPDK, while 5,819 others are in RPDI. 'The amendment also provides procedures for the voluntary treatment and rehabilitation of any drug or substance addict or abuser. 'This section empowers rehabilitation officers to make recommendations and subsequently provide suitable drug and substance rehabilitation treatment for any person undergoing treatment voluntarily,' said Saifuddin Nasution. He said although the Act has not yet been enforced, 924 drug dependents voluntarily came forward from January to August to seek rehabilitation. He further explained that under the amended Act 283, penalty options such as fines or community service have also been introduced for violations of conditions under the community-based rehabilitation order. 'For such violations, the court may now opt for a fine or community service as alternative penalties in addition to imprisonment or whipping, as provided in the original Act 283,' he said. Saifuddin Nasution said the amendment has also enabled rehabilitation to be provided at the early stage to 'reduce the risk of severity' and ultimately stop drug and substance addiction. 'With regard to drug and substance addicts or abusers, who are now considered patients, this is aimed at reducing the stigma faced by individuals involved in addiction and substance abuse so that they are more willing to come forward to seek treatment,' he said. On a wider scale, he added the ministry also acknowledges that drug addiction is a chronic disease which is not solely a health issue, but one that must be managed in the context of public safety and order.
The Star
06-08-2025
- The Star
Govt working to curb online drug peddling
All in a day's work: Saifuddin Nasution (left) presenting an award to Johor AADK director Mohd Faisal Maksom at the closing ceremony of the AADK i-Deen programme. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star KAJANG: The Home Ministry is studying whether to amend existing laws or introduce new legislation to address the growing issue of drug sales via online platforms, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The Home Minister said the matter has been discussed at the Cabinet Committee on Addressing Drug Issues, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. 'The Cabinet committee meets three times a year, with the last one in June. There is no decision yet, as we are still discussing it. 'We still need to review legal and regulatory aspects to improve enforcement. This matter involves several agencies with different jurisdictions. 'For example, drug issues fall under the Home Ministry's purview, but if the sales occur via online platforms, that falls under the jurisdiction of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry,' he told reporters after the closing ceremony of the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) i-Deen programme here yesterday. Saifuddin Nasution said one of the main challenges in tackling online drug sales is the use of various platforms that are difficult to monitor, especially when transactions occur outside official channels. He described the trend as a growing threat, warning that easy access to drug supplies and discreet transactions make enforcement efforts more complicated. 'If the transactions happen on official e-commerce platforms, they are easier to detect. But if social media platforms are used, it becomes more challenging. 'This also includes cases where delivery services like courier companies are used for small-scale drug distribution,' he added. Separately, Saifuddin Nasution said achieving a minimum 80% successful rehabilitation rate of drug users is a reasonable target for the AADK. He said the agency had already achieved a 79% rate last year. 'We want it to further improve so that the successful rehabilitation rate will continue to rise,' he said, adding that the government will give the necessary support to the agency to achieve its target. Saifuddin Nasution also said amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 will enable stricter enforcement against private rehabilitation centres found committing offences. He said the recent amendments have empowered authorities to implement certain control measures, including regulatory oversight of privately run facilities. 'If violations occur, action can be taken,' he said. Meanwhile, on the investigation into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir after an apparent fall from her hostel last month, Saifuddin Nasution said the legal process should be respected. He said the investigation paper had been completed and referred to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC). He was asked to comment on the case, including whether proper standard operating procedure was followed during the probe. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail previously said the IP on the investigation into Zara Qairina's death had been referred to the AGC.
