National Anti-Drug Research Articles

Unravelling The Nexus: Social Environment and Peer Influence in Drug Abuse in Lawas, Sarawak

The rising issue of drug abuse in Sarawak, demands urgent attention as the problem shows no signs of abating. The primary goal of this research is to investigate the most influential factor that contributes to the rise in drug abuse in Lawas and how it affects the selected individual social awareness. By delving into this dynamic, the study aims to enhance the comprehension of the issue and, consequently, develop more effective strategies to mitigate its consequences. The research employed qualitative methodology, with in-depth interviews as the primary data collection method. Six participants participated in the in-depth interviews and each referred to using pseudonyms. Participants 1 and 2 are presently enrolled in rehabilitation programs facilitated by the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA/AADK) division in Limbang. Participants 3, 4, and 5 were selected from the families, relatives, and friends of former addicts. Participant 6 plays a pivotal role as an officer responsible for drug enforcement in Lawas. The study employed social learning theory to gain a comprehensive perspective on the subject matter. The data analysis revealed that the social environment functions as the macro factor, while susceptibility to peer influence serves as the micro factor in drug abuse cases in Lawas and there is a relationship between the factor and the selected individual social awareness. The findings from this research hold immense relevance for a wide spectrum of stakeholders, with a particular emphasis on community and societal development, in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by drug abuse issues in Lawas, Sarawak.

Enhancing Drug Users’ Mental Health by Decriminalizing Drug Use: Insights from In-Depth Interviews with Drug Rehabilitation Officers and Relapsed Drug Users

Purpose: Decriminalisation of drug use is an alternative policy that many experts, including health experts, legal and enforcement experts, and stakeholders in non-government organisations (NGOs), uphold. In Malaysia, this policy was initiated in 2019 by the government to remove criminal penalties from various laws against drug possession for personal use. This study aimed to explore perceptions of drug rehabilitation officers and relapsed drug users towards decriminalising drug use that could be implemented in Malaysia. This qualitative research used an inductive approach.Methods: This study used a semi-structured, face-to-face individual interview guide. A total of 15 drug rehabilitation officers from the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) and 15 relapsed drug users were interviewed.Results: Thematic analysis generated three themes from raw transcripts: (1) potential outcomes of decriminalisation of drug use in Malaysia, (2) readiness of the public to accept decriminalisation of drug use, and (3) readiness of government and NADA in implementing decriminalisation of drug use.Conclusion: Findings of this explorative research provide important insight into the growing body of knowledge on decriminalisation of drug use policy in Malaysia.

PENGGUNAAN KAEDAH PENGGANDA PENANDA ARAS BAGI MENENTUKAN POPULASI PENGGUNA DADAH DI MALAYSIA

The issue of drug abuse at the global level shows an increase in demand and supply. However, annual statistics released by the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) show a decrease in detected drug users compared to the previous year. The main factor that caused the decrease was the government's efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the year in question. Inaccurate estimates of the drug user population cause policies and strategies designed to deal with this issue to be less effective. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to estimate the population of youth drug users as the largest age segment of drug users in Malaysia using the benchmark multiplier method. Data from the NADA database were used as benchmarks and secondary data from the 2020 prevalence study were used as multipliers. The findings of the study showed that an estimated 654,000 individuals between the ages of 15 and 39 used drugs in 2021. A state-by-state comparison shows that Selangor has the highest number of drug users, with an estimated 133,000 individuals involved in drug use. Sabah is ranked second highest, with an estimated 91,000 drug users, while Johor is ranked third, with approximately 73,000 drug users in the state. Efforts to address the issue of substance abuse need to be increased based on the estimates shown from this study. This estimate is useful as a basis for future researchers in estimating the population of drug users or other hidden populations.

Media Sosial sebagai Pendekatan Alternatif Pendidikan Pencegahan Dadah di Malaysia

Malaysia is a country rapidly developing in line with the development of world technology but is still plagued by drug abuse and drug addiction, especially among the youth. The results are very worrying and have a negative impact on users and threaten families, communities and the country and reflect the effectiveness of existing drug awareness, treatment and rehabilitation programs. Therefore, efforts to improve knowledge and information delivery on drug prevention education need to be reviewed and implemented holistically. This study examines the effectiveness of drug prevention media materials from the perspective of drug addicts and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK). The purposive sampling method is used to focus on a specific target audience to achieve the study's objectives. This research uses a mixed-method approach that combines quantitative and qualitative. All research data were obtained from 200 drug addict respondents from four Rehabilitation Centers surveyed through a questionnaire and 100 informants of AADK staff through a semi-structured questionnaire. The study's findings show that the effectiveness of publicity materials related to education (M=2.39, SD=.884) and drug prevention (M=2.26, SD=.674) in Malaysia is low. The study also shows that delivering drug prevention education messages through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube is very important and effective. In the effort to provide preventive education messages, the production of short videos, compact messages, illustrations, and interesting music and graphics is seen to have a positive impact on the target group. Keywords: Social media, education and prevention, drugs, youth, Malaysia.

The Recovery Factors of Drug Addiction in Malaysia: A Case of Ex-Drug Addicts Registered with National Anti-Drug Agency

Drug addictions have become a global issue due to malpractices of drug consume. In Malaysia, the National Anti-Drug Agency or Agensi Antidadah Kebangsaan (AADK) becomes an important agency in eradicating drugs addiction through treatment and rehabilitation, prevention, enforcement, and security. The objective of this study was to identify the factors that could influenced the recovery of drug addictions, focusing on the ex-drug addicts which registered with AADK Kerian, Perak, Malaysia. This study highlighted on three major factors for recovery, which include self-development effort, physical pain, and spiritual programs. Direct questionnaires were given to the respondent in AADK Kerian with both physical questionnaire and online questionnaire. The results demonstrated that the self-development effort is the most influenced factors for the drug recovery since most of the respondent agreed that their own awareness to have self-changes have a significant influence on the lifestyle, emotional, awareness and getting well without taking the drug.

THE INFLUENCE OF ZIKIR METHOD ON THE QUALITY OF ZIKIR TAREKAT QODIRIYAH NAQSYABANDIYAH IN PONDOK REMAJA INABAH (1) MALAYSIA

Zikir Tarekat Qodiriyah Naqsyabandiyah as an alternative treatment for rehabilitating drug addicts based on several previous studies has shown positive results in the rehabilitation of drug trainees. Therefore, this article discusses the extent to which the implementation of the zikir method of Tarekat Qodiriyah Naqsyabandiyah in Pondok Remaja Inabah (1) Malaysia has rehabilitated drug addicts. Theoretical framework of this research are based on Tarekat Qodiriyah Naqsyabandiyah concept of zikir. The method of this study is qualitative, which uses the interview method involving six trainees of PRI (1) Malaysia. The data obtained in this study were then analyzed using the Nvivo12 software package. The results showed that the method of zikir implemented in Pondok Remaja Inabah (1) Malaysia influences the quality of zikir practised by the trainees. It provides positive effects directly and indirectly from positive changes to physical, behavioural and emotional. Therefore, it can be concluded that the spiritual module through the zikir approach can profoundly affect the trainees' souls so that they can give up drugs entirely and start a new life based on the teachings and laws found in the religion of Allah SWT. The implications of this study can be used by stakeholders such as National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) in improving the existing drug rehabilitation modules by including and strengthening several modules related to zikr.

The Practice of Islamic Psychospiritual Therapy in the Treatment of Drug Addiction at Rehabilitation Centres in Malaysia

Drug addiction is a global problem and it also poses a threat to Malaysia. The Malaysian government through National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) has implemented various approaches to eradicate drug abuse by providing rehabilitation centers and rehabilitation programs. Private institutions have also taken the same initiatives. One of the approaches in the recovery process used is Islamic psychospiritual therapy for Muslim addicts. However, the psychospiritual therapy program used varies and requires a holistic and comprehensive model. This study employed the qualitative approach through interviews with treatment center operators, observations of treatment center activities and text studies. It was conducted at several governments and private drug rehabilitation centers namely Cure & Care Rehabilitation Centre (CCRC) Tiang Dua, CCRC Sungai Ruan, Pondok Remaja Inabah Negeri Sembilan, Teratak Tautan Kaseh Murabbi and Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia. The study has revealed that Islamic psychospiritual therapy takes into account three main concepts and components that are tazkiyah al-nafs (soul purification), basic religious knowledge, and a therapeutic support system. Islamic psychospiritual therapy is found to help the government, private institutions and individuals to achieve the recovery of drug addicts especially in addressing the issue of relapse in drug addiction for Muslim addicts.

Job stress and depression among Malaysian anti-drug professionals: The moderating role of job-related coping strategies.

Depression can cause negative consequences to workers' health and social functioning, such as poor work productivity, mental disorders, and suicide. Existing studies have argued that job stress is closely related to depression in many professions. Yet, information on how coping strategies play a significant role in the relationships among Malaysian anti-drug professionals is still scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine to what extent coping strategies moderate the relationship between job stress and depression among Malaysian anti-drug professionals. A total of 3,356 National Antidrug Agency (NADA) officers aged between 21 and 59 years completed online self-report measures of depression, job stress, and job-related control coping and avoidant coping behaviors. The results showed that job stress was strongly correlated with depression, and both coping strategies were found to significantly moderate the correlations. The correlations between stress and depression were stronger among participants who had higher levels of avoidant coping or those who had lower levels of control coping. To conclude, this study highlights the importance of considering job stress and coping behaviors to understand anti-drug professionals' mental health during this challenging COVID-19 pandemic.

Counselling Intervention for Tobacco and Methamphetamine Addiction (Dual Users)


 
 
 
 ABSTRACT
 Statistics released by the National Anti-Drug Agency showed that drug addiction activities are still vigorous. Therefore, this study was done to look at the effectiveness of counselling intervention, specifically involving dual users’ addiction. The subject involved in this case study is a client who is a 30-year-old lady which involved in dual drug use (tobacco and methamphetamine). She is currently under rehabilitation program with Agensi Anti Dadah Kebangsaan (AADK) Daerah Kinta. Due to the addiction to smoking and substance, it has affected the client in committing responsibilities as mother to her child. Client also experiences emotional stress in view of her husband often forces her to take methamphetamine. Three individual counselling session are conducted. The counseling process has been handled using the Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) approaches. Findings from the intervention session showed that the frequency of smoking was reduced. While the findings on the use of methamphetamine show that the client is determined to quit in the third session, there is no case of relapse. Counseling intervention is effective in helping clients to fight with tobacco and drug addiction. Indirectly, it is also helpful in managing other issues involving mental health of the client.
 
 
 

Job Stress and Coping Strategies as Predictors for Psychological Wellbeing among Malaysian Anti-Drug Professionals

Existing studies have suggested that job stress and coping strategies are among the key factors of psychological wellbeing. Yet, the information on how these psychological factors contribute to psychological wellbeing in Malaysian anti-drug professionals is still scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the predicting roles of job stress and coping strategies on psychological wellbeing among Malaysian anti-drug officers. The participants were consisted of 1454 staffs from the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) aged from 21 to 59 who completed online self-report measures of job stress, control and avoidant coping strategies, and psychological wellbeing. Descriptive analysis indicated that majority of the respondents reported high levels of psychological wellbeing and avoidant coping strategy, but lower levels of job stress and control coping strategy. A multiple regression analysis showed that job stress was related to lower psychological wellbeing while control coping strategy was related to higher psychological wellbeing. Overall, the findings highlight the needs to consider job stress and coping strategies to understand psychological wellbeing among Malaysian antidrug professionals. Also, this study recommended future research to consider longitudinal research design to better understand the directions of the relations among the studied variables.

Does Drug Dependence Cause Other Disorders, or Vice Versa? An Overview in Malaysia

This paper deliberates an overview of dual diagnosis cases in drug addicts in terms of its emerging challenges and efforts have been made to counter them. Drug addiction problem was declared as a number one nation enemy in Malaysia since 1986 by Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Many efforts have been putting up in order to combat the drug addiction problem. Malaysia government through National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) provide treatment not only for drug addicts but also for significant others affected by the life of addict. Despite the efforts, relapse cases among drug addicts remain crucial and need vigorous attention in every level of care particularly in post-treatment care. In Malaysia, as of December 2010, 983 cases of relapse were reported, a figure that is higher than the 774 cases in 2009 (NADA, 2010). Ministry of Health then reported, 1, 136 mental health cases that involved suicide were reported within 2007 to 2010, the number increased as compared to 2006. Drug addicts with multiple relapse cases are at increased risk for having personality, emotional disorders or mental health problems, and vice versa.

Comparison of the distribution maps for drug addict hotspot in Selangor using different spatial analysis tools

The problem of drug addiction in Malaysia is worsening and causes harm to the well-being of the population of Malaysia. A report published in 2018 states that 133,684 or 0.4% of the Malaysian population are drug addicts. Furthermore, 56% of all inmates in the federal prison are locked-up because of drug-related offences. This study aim is to identify the hotspots for drug addicts in Selangor, Malaysia. This study uses three geostatistical techniques, kernel density estimation (KDE), Getis-Ord Gi*, and IDW to map the hotspots for drug addicts. The National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) provides the data for this study which consists of 2997 cases of drug addict under supervision (DAUS) in 2016. The data are analysed using ArcGIS Pro 2.4 software. The individual DUAS represents a point vector data format with WGS 1984 Web Mercator projection. Hotspot analysis is performed using kernel density estimation (KDE), Getis-Ord Gi* and IDW. The results show eight statistically significant hotspots for drug addicts in the sub-districts (99% confidence level and p-value < 0.001). The locations with significant hotspots for drug addicts are Bandar Serendah, Pandamaran, Bandar Klang, Bandar Kajang, Dengkil, Bandar Ampang, Bandar Damansara, and Semenyih sub-districts. This study provides spatial information that helps law enforcement agencies identify drug hotspot areas and use this information to create and enhance a defensible safe neighbourhood. The outcome of this study facilitates law enforcement through better strategic planning for reducing drug addict hotspot areas. Keywords: drug addicts, drug hotspots and mapping, geographical information system (GIS), Getis-ord Gi*, inverse distance weighted (IDW), kernel density estimation analysis (KDE)

Relationship between Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Social Pressure and Drug Craving Among Former Drug Addicts

Research on drug cravings among former drug addicts is an important issue to be addressed in order to provide input to the government in an effort to prevent relapse among former drug addicts. This article aims to identify the relationship between emotional disturbance, family conflict, social pressure and drug cravings among former drug addicts. A survey study was conducted by using a cross sectional design. A total of 380 former addicts, who completed the rehabilitation program at the Cure and Care Rehabilitation Center (CCRC) and were undergoing a period of supervision by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), were selected to participate in the survey study. The data were analyzed using an inferential statistic, the Pearson Correlation test. The results showed a moderate and positive significant relationship between drug cravings and emotional disturbance (r = .703, p &lt;0.01), family conflict (r = .540, p &lt;0.01) and social pressure (r = .606, p &lt;0.01) among former addicts. These findings indicated that emotional disturbance, family conflict and social pressure that experienced by former addicts should be tackled by the stakeholders as it has a significant relationship with cravings, which may lead to relapse among former addicts.

Help seeking attitudes and illegal drug use among methadone maintenance therapy patients in Malaysia

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified substance use disorders as a significant public health concern for many countries. In Malaysia, the government took the step to address this concern in 2005 through the introduction of Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) to treat opioid use disorders. The purpose of this study is to test whether help-seeking attitudes by MMT patients are associated with continued substance use.Method: Participants were 171 patients who received MMT in 2 of the National Anti-Drug Agencies in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Participants were, on average, 45.35 years old (SD = 10.22) and approximately half of them were married. Participants’ Help Seeking Attitudes were measured using the 10-Item Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help–Short Form (ATSPPH-SF) (Fischer and Farina 1995). The dependent measure for this analysis was whether or not the participant had a positive drug screen in the past 6 months of their MMT.Results: Frequencies indicate that 46.2% of the participants had positive drug screen results indicating illicit drug use during the past 6 months of MMT treatment. Logistic regression results indicate that more positive Help Seeking Attitudes are associated with reduced odds of a positive drug screen (O.R. = .87, 95% CI = .80, .93, p < .001). Participant perceptions that help-seeking is positive reduced the odds of having a positive drug screen.Conclusions: This result suggests that research, practice, and policy efforts might include messages that aim to promote help-seeking and to reduce stigma associated with seeking help for substance use disorders.

Effectiveness of Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) and Life Style Improvement Among Opiate Dependent Patients Registered

In Malaysia, drug addiction has been a big threat since 1983.As of by latest statistic by National Anti-Drug Agency in 2016, the number of drug abusers in Malaysia was 30846.Acknowledging the importance of drug abuse and relapse as a public health issue, Malaysian government had implemented Harm Reduction Programme .Under this programme, Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) was launched in Oct 2005. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of MMT programme among opiate dependent individuals in their daily life. In this study, 100 individuals from the Ministry of Health (MoH), Klinik Kesihatan Bayan Lepas (Bayan Lepas Health Clinic) and Agensi Anti-Dadah Kebangsaan (National Anti-Drug Agency) in Telok Bahang were involved. The subjects were interviewed with WHOQOL BREF questionnaires before joining the MMT programme and also after minimum 4 months of joining MMT. Results obtained were used for comparing life style implications among methadone patients before and after joining the MMT programme. Subjects were predominantly of Malay ethnicity (82%). Subjects were mostly aged between 51 to 60 years old (34%). Paired t-test was done on the WHOQOL scores at baseline (before MMT) and after minimum of 4 months enrolment for all four domains. Each domain showed significant improvement in QOL (P<0.05).The highest improvement was shown in the psychology domain with the mean value increment of 15.13±17.49. Physical domain showed the least improvement with the mean value of 9.39±16.21.This study has proven that MMT have highly contributed to improvement of quality of life among MMT clients in Klinik Kesihatan Bayan Lepas and AADK Telok Bahang. DOI : http://dx.doi.org./10.17576/JSKM-2019-1701-07

Trend Detection of Drug Abuse Using Multivariate Analysis in Malaysia During the Years 2005 to 2015

This study aims to dismantling number drug abuser, cohort of age and drug type effects to improve our understanding of these trends and suggested groups for target intervention by stakeholders to effectively reduce resultant harms. Data of the study involving number of drug abuser, cohort of age (8 groups: &lt; 13, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, &gt; 40) and drug type was obtained by reviewing annual report of National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) of Malaysia during 2009 to 2015. Descriptive statistics were applied to give distribution rate and patterns of the data. Cluster analysis then performed to grouped age cohort and drug type into homogenous clusters. Mann – Kendall test were then applied at 5% interval level to identify any significant trends existed in all clusters. The result showed that age can be group into 3 clusters namely low-age cases, moderated-age cases and high-age cases, while for drug type 3 clusters were also created, low-drug type, moderate-drug type and high-drug type. Lastly, trend test shows that high-drug type (opiate) have very significant upward trend p &lt; 0.05. Therefore, preventive strategies can be focus on young adult and opiate abused as it can greatly help reduce number of drug abuser in Malaysia.

The Knowledge about the Dangerous Effect of Opiates among Adolescent

Statistics from the National Anti Drug Agency (AADK) showed an increase in adolescent who are in the age range 13 to 18 years involved in drug abuse. Realizing this problem, a study was conducted to examine the knowledge about dangerous effect of drug abuse on opiates among adolescent. There are four type of opiates were tested in this study such as opium, morphine, heroin and codeine. Respondent consisted 759 adolescent aged 16 years old. This quantitative study using the “Soal Selidik Kajian Pengaruh Dadah” as an instrument. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics to get the frequency and percentage. The result showed that both male and female adolescent know about the dangerous effect of drug abuse. Findings also identify the most popular drugs among adolescent is heroin followed by opium, codein and morphine.

Drug Addicts: Psychosocial Factor Contributing to Relapse

This article present about relapse among drug addicts in rehabilitation center. In Malaysia, many drug addicts relapse to drug use after discharged from successful treatment at rehabilitation center. Various effort and the authorities involved in assisting the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) efforts to cure and treat drug addicts. This article aims to examine the factors that affect relapse among drug addicts. Therefore, this article will discuss aspects of psychosocial factors including self-efficacy, family support, friends support and community support. Psychosocial factors, such as aspects of self-efficacy, family support, friends support and community support, had significant relationships with relapse. Psychological factors are also vital to design adequate treatment strategies. Thus, this article evaluating psychosocial factor as main factors that influenced the relapse addictions tendency amongst addicts.

Assessment of an Innovative Voluntary Substance Abuse Treatment Program Designed to Replace Compulsory Drug Detention Centers in Malaysia

ABSTRACTBackground: As part of an ongoing initiative by the Malaysian government to implement alternative approaches to involuntary detention of people who use drugs, the National Anti-Drug Agency has created new voluntary drug treatment programs known as Cure and Care (C&C) Centers that provide free access to addiction treatment services, including methadone maintenance therapy, integrated with social and health services. Objectives: We evaluated early treatment outcomes and client satisfaction among patients accessing C&C treatment and ancillary services at Malaysia's second C&C Center located in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Methods: In June-July 2012, a cross-sectional convenience survey of 96 C&C inpatients and outpatients who entered treatment >30 days previously was conducted to assess drug use, criminal justice experience, medical co-morbidities, motivation for seeking treatment, and attitudes towards the C&C. Drug use was compared for the 30-day-period before C&C entry and the 30-day-period before the interview. Results: Self-reported drug use levels decreased significantly among both inpatient and outpatient clients after enrolling in C&C treatment. Higher levels of past drug use, lower levels of social support, and more severe mental health issues were reported by participants who were previously imprisoned. Self-reported satisfaction with C&C treatment services was high. Conclusions/Importance: Preliminary evidence of reduced drug use and high levels of client satisfaction among C&C clients provide support for Malaysia's ongoing transition from compulsory drug detention centers (CDDCs) to these voluntary drug treatment centers. If C&C centers are successful, Malaysia plans to gradually transition away from CDDCs entirely.

SY42-2 * THE ROLE OF FAMILY PHYSICIAN IN MANAGING AMPHETAMINE USE

Introduction. Primary care doctors have an important role in the identification of amphetamine use as 70% of patients visit their primary care doctor at least once every 2 years. They have a key role in the prevention, early detection and management of substance use and addiction as patients see them as credible and trusted educators, and patients' response towards lifestyle enquiries and interventions by these doctors are positive. Method. Data obtained from a cross-sectional community survey of amphetamine use, data from the Malaysian National Anti-Drug Agency, UNODC and literature search of Medline. Result. There has been a reported increased in the popularity of amphetamine use, including crystal methamphetamine and various other methamphetamine and/or amphetamine containing substances/pills within South East Asia in the past decade. It was estimated that up to 20.7 million individuals in Asia and the Pacific have used ATS annually. Amphetamine users may present in a variety of ways, and primary care doctors should be mindful of the many symptoms, physical and psychological, which can be present in users of amphetamine. ATS use has been identified as a risk factor for HIV in some populations and also a factor in inducing psychosis, both of which constitute a major public health problem. Conclusion. The increasing use of amphetamine type substances is a major public health problem, and Primary Care Doctors have an important role in the prevention, detection and managing this public health problem.