SHAH ALAM, Jan 9 — Drug abuse in the contemporary era is becoming increasingly alarming, with more than 70 per cent of substances currently misused consisting of synthetic drugs that are difficult to detect.
This situation has serious implications for mental health and also threatens the harmony of family institutions in Selangor.
The state's National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) director Nazir Mohamad said patterns of drug addiction today are vastly different from the past, in line with changes in societal lifestyles.
During the 1980s to the early 1990s, drug abuse largely involved opiate-type drugs like heroin and morphine, which were easily identified through physical changes, including injection marks.
“The drug situation in the past and today is indeed different. Today, more than 70 per cent of drugs being abused are synthetic drugs that no longer show obvious physical effects.
“These drugs come in various forms and are difficult to identify, including by parents,” he said as a guest on the 'Bicara Semasa' programme produced by Media Selangor.
Nazir added that this situation has caused many individuals to become involved silently and unknowingly, especially when society lacks sufficient knowledge about the dangers of synthetic drugs.
He said the current drug threat is more dangerous because dependence is more psychological than physical.
“Users become addicted emotionally and mentally. When they do not take the drug, they may experience stress, depression, and mental health disorders,” Nazir said.
Most cases involve amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) and methamphetamine, which are often linked to criminal cases and domestic violence.
“In many cases, urine screening tests find offenders positive for these types of drugs,” he said.
Nazir also spoke of the emergence of new substances known as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), which have heightened concerns, as their contents are difficult to identify.
“These substances can have more harmful effects on the nervous system and users’ mental health,” he said.
Failure to address drug problems early can lead to long-term consequences, including damaging family institutions and triggering various social issues.
“This drug problem is truly happening in Selangor. If we do not experience it ourselves, it may be because it has not yet occurred within our families or immediate circles.
“The public needs to be more vigilant, know their children’s friends and ensure they are in a healthy environment. All parties must work together to ensure that future generations are free from the threat of drugs,” Nazir said.
