Kedah
Perlis
Terengganu
Kelantan
are ‘Hotspot’ states with the highest rates of drug addiction per’
Recent statistics provided by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
Addictions cases in the first 6 months in 2023
of reported cases involve the youth
SELANGOR
‘Hotspot’ states with the highest rates of drug addiction per’
01
LACK OF AWARENESS AND EDUCATION
There is a general lack of awareness about addiction as a disease and the available treatment options among the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Insufficient education about the risks of substance abuse and preventive measures contributes to the perpetuation of addictive behaviors.
02
STIGMA AND CULTURALATTITUDES
Addiction is often viewed as a moral failingrather than a medical condition, leading tostigma and discrimination against individualsseeking help. Cultural norms surroundingsaving face and preserving family honor maydiscourage individuals and families fromseeking treatment or support.
03
Limited Access To Treatment and Resources
There is a general lack of awareness about addiction as a disease and the available treatment options among the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Insufficient education about the risks of substance abuse and preventive measures contributes to the perpetuation of addictive behaviors.
04
Legal And Policy Constraints
Strict drug laws and punitive measures may deter individuals from seeking help for fear of legal repercussions. Limited harm reduction programs and policies, such as needle exchange programs and opioid substitution therapy, hinder efforts to reduce the negative consequences of addiction.
05
Inadequate Mental Health Support
Co-occurring mental health disorders often accompany substance use disorders, yet there is a shortage of integrated treatment programs addressing both conditions. Mental health services are underfunded and lack trained professionals, exacerbating the burden on individuals struggling with addiction.
Spread of cases based on states and districts in Malaysia from 2017 to 2023
Data displayed here are sourced from the Institute of Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES),supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM),National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and other expert stakeholders.
Graph 1: Statistics of cases in Malaysia from 2017 to 2023
Spread of teenage cases based on states and districts in Malaysia from 2017 to 2023
Graph 2: Statistics of youth cases in Malaysia from 2017 to 2023
Spread of teenage cases receiving treatment based on states and districts in Malaysia from 2017 to 2023
Image 3 clearly shows the northen region having more youth cases in treatment facilities compared to the other parts of Malaysia. Kedah and Kelantan are at 268 each state. Subsequently, Graph 3 shows the youth in treatment by year displaying a fluctuation data with the lowest number recorded during the pandemics; 2020 and 2021.
Graph 1: Statistics of cases in Malaysia from 2017 to 2023
The two main types of addictions in Malaysia are:
BEHAVIOURAL
Behavioural addictions, including gambling and internet addiction, are increasingly prevalent among younger generations, posing challenges for public health officials and policymakers. Understanding the specific needs of different demographics is crucial for creating effective prevention and intervention strategies.
substance
Substance addiction in Malaysia, particularly with drugs like methamphetamine and heroin, is on the rise, with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) reporting over 11,000 cases of methamphetamine use in 2019. Research shows heroin is the most common drug among the youth, underscoring the need for targeted educational campaigns and interventions to address the substances most prevalent among young individuals.
OF REPORTED CASES CONSIST OF MCE/SPM SPMV LEAVERS
(AGE 18 ONWARDS)
Education and prevention are crucial in addressing addiction by empowering individuals with knowledge and skills to resist addictive substances. Schools should integrate comprehensive drug education programs into their curricula, providing age-appropriate information on substance abuse risks and strategies for refusal and coping. Additionally, community-based initiatives like outreach programs and peer support groups can engage vulnerable populations and promote addiction-free lifestyles.
Education and prevention are crucial in addressing addiction by empowering individuals with knowledge and skills to resist addictive substances. Schools should integrate comprehensive drug education programs into their curricula, providing age-appropriate information on substance abuse risks and strategies for refusal and coping. Additionally, community-based initiatives like outreach programs and peer support groups can engage vulnerable populations and promote addiction-free lifestyles.
Affordable, quality treatment services are vital for addiction recovery, yet they're often limited, especially in rural areas. To address this, both public and private sectors should invest in expanding treatment facilities, training healthcare professionals, and using innovative approaches like telemedicine and mobile clinics to reach remote communities.
Stigma surrounding addiction continues to be a significant barrier to recovery, perpetuating discrimination and hindering individuals' willingness to seek help. Efforts to combat stigma should focus on raising awareness, challenging misconceptions, and promoting empathy and support for individuals in recovery.
In the digital age, technology presents new opportunities for addressing addiction and promoting recovery. Mobile applications, online support groups, and telemedicine platforms can enhance access to information, counselling, and peer support, particularly for individuals in remote or underserved areas.
