PETALING JAYA: While amendments to Act 283 did keep some drug abusers out of prison, it does little to stop those who were rehabilitated from relapsing, says Benjamin Thain, a case worker and advocate in drug addiction intervention.
“Even after a year of the amendments to Act 283, it is still very under prepared, which affects how effective we are in mitigating the issue.
“There needs to be a holistic system. After rehabilitation, they need to reintegrate into society. Just getting them out of prison isn’t enough,” said Thain when asked to comment on the current state of affairs in the rehabilitation of drug offenders.
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He argued that it is very easy for former addicts to reoffend when the right support is not provided.
“Even being in rehab temporarily won’t help if the root issue isn’t addressed. When they come out, they often return to their old habits. So, it can’t just be a change of place.
“Otherwise, they enter AADK, then come out, offend again, go back in ... it’s a cycle.
“Many go back because there’s no societal support, no place to go.
“Even if they’re not criminalised anymore, the stigma remains.
“So the government needs to do more than just keep them out of prison,” Thain said, adding that community-based organisations and authorities should step up their game.
“After rehab, what happens? Where’s the support system? Where do they go? They face family stress, discrimination, and generational trauma. And many want real change.
“But they’re not only battling external stigma from society, they’re also facing internal stigma.
“The shame of being labelled a drug user or former addict,” he said, adding that it is an uphill climb as drug addiction has been criminalised for so long.
“The amendments haven’t come with the support system needed for society to actually receive it properly.
“After rehabilitation, there should be provisions for treatment, workshops, and support groups to help reintegrate into society.
“That ‘aftercare’ plan is critical,” said Thain.
He also pointed at Portugal as a model that is worthy of emulation.
