Tuesday September 28, 2010
Help is available at the Cure and Care Clinic
Sick of living his life aimlessly as a drug addict, Kamarul* checked himself into the Cure and Care Clinic (C&C) in Sungai Besi.
“I cannot live my life like this anymore. Last year, I went to jail for a drug-related offence. I was almost shot by the police when I tried to flee the scene.
“After I was released, I continued taking drugs. I tried to stop but I cannot fight the urge,” he said at an interview at the 1Malaysia Cure and Care Clinic in Sungai Besi.
Friendly aid: Azizi talking to some addicts seeking help. He then sought help at the C&C and now has four months to go before he can complete the treatment.
“It was at the clinic that I fasted during Ramadan for the first time. It taught me the meaning of patience and perseverance.
“I also learned about responsibility and to care for myself and those around me.
“My hope is to be free from drugs and live a normal life,” he said, adding that he plans to continue his career as a deejay.
Chang Yen Chow, a trained social worker at the clinic, said they referred to the drug addicts who checked themselves into the clinic as “family members”.
Counselling session: Chang (right), speaking to a drug addict who is undergoing treatment. “This clinic is different from others as they find this place a sanctuary. If any of the addicts found anyone smuggling drugs into the clinic, they will alert us.
“Those living among drug addicts can also seek our help on ways to help their family members or neighbours who are addicts,” she said.
This marks the third time that Wan* has checked himself into rehabilitation.
After numerous relapses, he hopes to put an end to his drug addiction once and for all.
“I started smoking at 12 and progressed to sniffing gum two years later. Then I smoked ganja (marijuana), heroin and other drugs.
“I believe that the relapse occurred because of my attitude and the problems I face in life. Drugs is a form of escapism, it gave me relief,” he said.
As a former dug addict, Peer Support Drug Rehabilitation Group (PRS) member Azizi Mizan, knows what they have to go through and thus he could help them fight the addiction more effectively.
The death of his mother when he was 25 years old made him realise that he has to change for the better.
“I am thankful for the support of my family who still accept me although I was an drug addict,” the now 36-year-old said.
The PRS helps them recover from their addiction. There are programmes such as seminars.
Cure & Care 1Malaysia is located at Persada Sungai Besi, Batu 7 Jalan Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur. For details, call 03-9056 2945
For more information on the clinic, log on to www.adk.gov.my
*The names have been changed
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