Have an addiction? Here's how to treat it

Dr Prem Kumar: Nicotine, especially in the form of cigarettes, is an addictive substance that produces a reinforcement effect similar to amphetamines or alcohol.

SUBSTANCE misuse is an enduring social problem. According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the US in the past 12 months – the highest number ever recorded.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s Office of National Statistics recorded a sharp increase in alcohol-related fatalities during and after the first Covid-19 lockdown, up 16.4%. During Malaysia’s first movement control order (MCO) that began in March last year, about 3,923 people were detained for drug-related offences within the first month.