‘Drug dependence a medical condition that can be treated’

The notion that there is no hope for a drug dependent person creates a social stigma, thus causing the addict to continue down the path of self-destruction.The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye clarified that drug dependence is a medical condition and most importantly it is a condition that can be treated. Lee revealed that the stigma of the illness itself, the fear of rejection by the community and losing their freedom which has resulted in patients being hesitant of seeking early treatment.

“For every individual registered for drug treatment, there are two to three others who remain unregistered, placing the estimated number of drug users in the country between 350,000 to 900,000 individuals,” he said.

All is not lost as ‘Jiwa Baru’ public education programme had successfully reached out to about 3,500 individuals seeking more information on drug dependence, he noted.

According to Lee, these individuals wanted more information particularly on opiate dependence or a referral to a community-based doctor, who has been trained to manage and treat people with drug dependence.

“Development programmes and education is important to educate them that drug dependence can be treated effectively through drug substitution therapy at community-based treatment centres/private clinics,” he said.

The programme, he added, would ensure that as a nation, everyone will move forward together instead of leaving certain level of community lagging behind.

Lee added: “This measure would also slowly cease the stigma that is closely associated with drug addicts and more and more members of the community will embrace the fact that drug addiction is a medical condition that can be treated.”

The goal of treating drug dependence is to enable patients to manage the symptoms of their disease and gain control of their dependence, with medication providing an important component for managing both the short-term and long-term effects of drug dependence.

He also warned that drugs had a deep impact on a workplace.

This was because drug abuse represents difficult problems for employers as they are under competitive pressure to increase output. At the same time, these employers need to respond to critical human resources issues to continue in business, he said.

Drug abuse puts the brakes on human and social development, and also has powerful effects on the brain, influencing a wide range of human activities.

“Illicit drugs use creates significant problems in the workplace, as work tasks that require higher level judgment, constant attention, immediate memory and fine motor skills are easily disrupted by drugs,” cautioned Lee.

“Drug abusers have more absenteeism, accidents on the job, medical claims and lost productivity than non-users,” Lee reckoned.