Professionals are among the 46,000 individuals receiving treatment and rehabilitation for drug abuse nationwide as of August, according to the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).
AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said drug abuse among professionals was often linked to life pressures, heavy workloads, relationship difficulties and family problems.
He said some individuals took drugs for recreational purposes, while others turned to substances as a shortcut to relieve stress and achieve temporary peace of mind.
“Among the factors identified is life pressure, particularly in urban areas. This may be due to heavy workloads, problems with wives or girlfriends, as well as conflicts at work and within the community,” he said in an interview on Utusan Malaysia’s PodX audio programme.
“Some try to resolve these problems through an easy way out by taking benzodiazepines (Benzo) to calm down and relax.”
Ruslin said Benzo misuse often began with curiosity or an attempt to relieve stress, before developing into repeated use as individuals became driven to take the substances again.
He explained that benzodiazepines are a group of medicines prescribed to treat certain conditions, including anxiety disorders.
However, their use must follow the dosage and duration prescribed by a doctor. Taking them without medical supervision or continuing beyond a doctor’s instructions could lead to misuse and increase the risk of dependence, he warned.
Of the 46,000 individuals recorded as receiving treatment and rehabilitation, 5,337 were placed in 29 National Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Centres (PUSPEN), Ruslin said.
Another approximately 41,400 individuals were undergoing community-based treatment, allowing them to remain at home and continue their daily routines, including working.
However, they remain subject to supervision requirements and prescribed rehabilitation programmes.
Ruslin said appropriate treatment and family support were crucial in helping individuals overcome drug abuse and return to normal life.
Those undergoing community-based treatment are required to attend weekly rehabilitation programmes, allowing AADK to assess their level of dependence and monitor their progress.
“They must attend the programmes we conduct every week. They need to report to us, and we will assess their level of addiction and how they are responding to the rehabilitation process,” he said.
Ruslin added that placement in PUSPEN or community-based treatment for mandatory cases was determined by court orders.
Individuals who breach their supervision conditions could face legal action, including imprisonment.
“People should not assume that being allowed to remain in the community by the court means they are free to take drugs again. Whenever they report to us, we conduct urine tests, and in certain cases, these tests are specifically required.
“If they test positive while under a court supervision order, they may face legal action,” he said.
