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Treatment of Drug Addiction
Date: 6 July 2006
The management of drug addiction in Malaysia is coordinated by the National Narcotic Agency (Agensi Dadah Kebangsaan).
There are 3 major areas in the rehabilitation program:
1. Detection and detoxification
2. Rehabilitation in an institution
3. Supervision in the community and follow-up are (Jagaan Lanjut).
Detection and Detoxification
This process is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health. There are 22 hospitals that are gazetted as detection centres and a few detoxification centres. Detoxification process is done using the “cold turkey” method. The cold turkey method means that the abuser has to undergo the withdrawal symptoms without any forms of relief e.g. medication.
Rehabilitation in an institution
Rehabilitation Institutes are called Pusat Serenti and aare available throughout the country. Here the drug dependent person would undergo an 18 months to 2 year programme. The aim is to rehabilitate the person in a controlled environment to be free from drug physically and psychologically.
Supervision in community and follow-up care (Jagaan Lanjutan)
The process of drug rehabilitation is a long one and does not end when a person leaves the rehabilitation institute (Pusat Serenti). Supervision of a person from Pusat Serenti for 2 years by the Drug Rehabilitation Officer (Pegawai Pemulihan Dadah) is to allow integration of the person into the community. The officer will assist the ex addict in adaption to life without drugs.
Pharmacotherapy
Naltrexone
This is an opiod antagonist and when taken, would block all opiod receptors in the brain. Naltrexone appears to reduce the craving for and the pleasurable effects of abusing opiates. People who benefit from naltrexone treatment are those who are highly motivated to stop abusing opiates. When a person on naltrexone takes opiates (heroin or morphine), he will not feel any euohoric effect.
Naltrexone is not for those who are currently abusing opiates. They must be drug free for at least 7-10 days normally before starting naltrexone.
Naltrexone is not addictive, people do not feel high or down and it does not cause physical dependence. There are no withdrawal effects after ending naltrexone treatment.
Naltrexone is not a cure, but when used as part of a treatment plan it can help some opiate dependent people remain abstinent. It is a valuable tool in the treatment programme which includes therapy and support.
When you have decided to QUIT
Stay away from friends who are taking drugs
Learn to control your emotions
Ignore the psychological cravings
Get a job – be productive
Join a support group
Change your life style – active participation in physical activities and increased interactions with your family
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