KUCHING: Drug users deserve medical attention, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation rather than being sent to prison, opines the Sarawak Mental Health Association president.
Dr Ismail Drahman, who is also a psychiatrist, said however, the situation depended on what perspective the drug addicts are seen as.
“If you think the person is sick then they deserve to be treated and rehabilitated as a drug addict is suffering from chronic disorder or illness.
“While if we see the drug addict as a criminal with social issues then they need to undergo the proper legal process. In my opinion, drug addicts need help medically, treatment and rehabilitation.”
He told New Sarawak Tribune when asked for his thoughts on whether or not drug addicts should be given an option to be treated instead of sending them to jail.
Meanwhile, two members of the public also had their say on the matter.
Alex Mclean, 34, spoke from personal experience after seeing friends being pressured by peers into addiction.
The clerk concurred that drug users should receive treatment rather than a jail sentence.
“The majority of them are influenced by the environment in which they were raised in. Some of them are curious about the effects, while others are influenced by peer pressure.
“While those who have kicked the habit can actually support other addicts in their recovery,” he said.
He pointed out that the public ought to support them (drug addicts) and not belittle them.
“Most of them felt abandoned, and this would cause them to relapse into addiction. Nobody is perfect so we shouldn’t view them as useless.”
Meanwhile, Adalia Felicia Gomes Jebron, 36, said she firmly believed that drug addicts should have access to treatment and rehabilitation rather than jail time.
“We do not want them to relapse once they are released, proper treatment will deter them from picking up their old habit,” said the accountant.
