Does Drug Dependence Cause Other Disorders, or Vice Versa? An Overview in Malaysia

Abstract

This paper deliberates an overview of dual diagnosis cases in drug addicts in terms of its emerging challenges and efforts have been made to counter them. Drug addiction problem was declared as a number one nation enemy in Malaysia since 1986 by Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Many efforts have been putting up in order to combat the drug addiction problem. Malaysia government through National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) provide treatment not only for drug addicts but also for significant others affected by the life of addict. Despite the efforts, relapse cases among drug addicts remain crucial and need vigorous attention in every level of care particularly in post-treatment care. In Malaysia, as of December 2010, 983 cases of relapse were reported, a figure that is higher than the 774 cases in 2009 (NADA, 2010). Ministry of Health then reported, 1, 136 mental health cases that involved suicide were reported within 2007 to 2010, the number increased as compared to 2006. Drug addicts with multiple relapse cases are at increased risk for having personality, emotional disorders or mental health problems, and vice versa.