Pushing for rehab over jail for drug addicts

PETALING JAYA: Academics who have conducted in-depth studies on drug addiction are commending the government’s proposal to treat narcotics users with rehabilitation instead of sending them to jail.

Assoc Prof Dr Norruzeyati Che Mohd Nasir of Universiti Utara Malaysia’s School of Applied Psychology, Social Work and Policy said drug addiction is a mental health condition, so incarcerating drug addicts might increase the risk of a relapse after they are released from prison.