KEPALA BATAS: The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) has detected an increasing trend of “dual diagnosis” cases, where individuals are not only struggling with drug addiction but also suffering from mental health disorders linked to synthetic drug abuse.
AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh (pic) said the rise of synthetic drugs has become a new and significant challenge for the agency, forcing a review and continuous enhancement of existing rehabilitation modules.
“Previously, our treatment programmes focused largely on traditional drugs such as heroin, morphine and cannabis. However, with the sharp increase in synthetic drug abuse, we have had to review and continuously improve our rehabilitation modules,” he said after the 2026 National Anti-Drugs Day here at Kampung Titi Merdeka on Saturday (June 27).
He added that one of the most concerning developments is the growing use of synthetic drugs through vape devices, particularly among young users.
Ruslin said the agency is also seeing a rising number of cases involving dual diagnosis, where drug dependency is accompanied by mental health conditions triggered by synthetic substances.
He revealed that between January and March this year, 27%, or 1,346 out of 5,030 drug users under AADK supervision, whether in rehabilitation centres or community-based programmes, were identified as having dual diagnosis.
“This shows a significant increase compared with the same period in 2025, when 548 individuals, or 6% of 9,361 drug users, undergoing treatment at drug rehabilitation centres or community programmes were identified with similar conditions,” he said.
According to Ruslin, the trend indicates that synthetic drug abuse is not only increasing the number of addicts but also contributing to more complex cases involving mental health disorders.
He said AADK is now working closely with the Health Ministry to strengthen treatment and rehabilitation efforts for affected individuals.
“The mental health issues vary. Some suffer from depression, while others experience hallucinations or psychological instability. In some cases, there is a risk of self-harm and suicidal tendencies, which require immediate intervention,” he added.
