1.

1 introduction

Drug abuse is a complex issue and has been a serious public health problem in
Malaysia. Illicit substance use and drug relapse is an issue that continues to plague
societies worldwide.

The number of registered drug users is about 250,000 in a 2008 report, and is expected
to reach half a million by 2015. There is also a worrying trend of high relapse rate of
50%, which has been consistently seen in the past decades. From January to
September 2012, it was reported that there was a reduction in the number of new and
repeated drug cases in Malaysia of 4053 and 2882 respectively (National Anti-Drug
Agency, 2012).

In Malaysia, peer influence and curiosity are the top contributory factors to drug abuse,
shared Dr. Tam Cai Lian, Senior Lecturer in Counselling Psychology at the Jeffrey
Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia.

Malaysia is unlike other parts of the world where drug abuse is attributed to mostly
family factors such as parental behavior, family relationships, home atmosphere and
economic standing.

Research shows that the social pressure to belong, to be accepted, and to be part of a
social group, especially in teenagers, prompts them to conform to their peer group, and
start trying out drugs. Thats how it usually begins, Dr Tam explained.

Studying the impact of group identity on the use of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana
among teenagers, it is found that teens in pop, techno, skate/hip-hop, and hippie groups
were more likely to use substance, compared to those in the quiet, sporty, religious,
computer groups. Other reasons include trying drugs out of curiosity, using drugs as
means of rebellion, and as an expression of dissatisfaction with traditional norms and
values.

The tendency of using drugs as a coping mechanism against stress is increasing as

well with the rise of drug users among professional groups in Malaysia. For example,
college and university students often get involved in drugs due to peer and academic
pressures.

In Malaysia, opiates are the most commonly abused drugs, followed closely by
cannabis and amphetamine-based stimulants, such as Adderall a drug used to treat
patients diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).

Identified drug abusers are sent for compulsory rehabilitation and treatment programs
for two years, as mandated by the Malaysian law. According to Malaysian Psychiatric
Association, treatment programs cost the government approximately RM3,000 per
month for each addict, which translates to a staggering RM300 million annually.
Efforts can be made to minimise the negative effects of peer influence. Dr. Tam
highlighted that the government or schools can establish compulsory courses for
students to educate them on the negative consequences of drugs and substance
abuse. Information-seeking and sharing practices among youths will also help the
Education Ministry, NADA and NGOs reach out to wider audiences and disseminate
information more effectively.

Curiosity can be beneficial if used in the right setting, like in education. Everybody
should be made aware of the possible impacts of drug addiction, so that their curiosity
can be nipped in the bud before it ruins their lives. Holding public awareness programs
is a good start to eliminate, if not decrease drug abuse, Dr. Tam said.

Dr. Tam hoped that through this approach, a more effective and targeted public re-
education can be achieved in line with efforts to eradicate drug abuse as a public health
issue.

For more information on programs available at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine
and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, please
visit www.med.monash.edu.my.