Community-based treatment better: Docs

As soon as they leave the rehabilitation centres, 80 per cent of dadah addicts will go into a relapse, with some even returning to taking drugs just an hour later.
This is the observation of doctors, according to the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations, Malaysia (FPMPAM).
“The addicts would prefer another method to be rehabilitated instead of being locked up,” said its president Dr Steven K.W. Chow.
“So we are encouraging community-based treatment where addicts can receive treatment and counselling while they carry on with their lives, working or attending school,” he said at the launch of “Doctors Who Care” programme at Saujana Resort yesterday.
It was launched by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
More than 240 trained doctors throughout the country are taking part in the programme.
Addicts can have access to the panel of doctors via its website: www.no2drugs.org or contact its helpline at 03-79531302.
The patient will be treated by the doctor before he is recommended to a psychiatrist or counsellor for a holistic approach, said Dr Chow, a dermatologist.
“Community-based treatment is more likely to work. This approach will supplement whatever the Government is doing to address drug addiction problem,” stressed Dr Chow.
Based on a United Nations report, for every addict arrested, four remain undetected.
“Our intention is to get these people who do not get any help. By doing so, it will reduce the chain of transmission,” he said.
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