TEENAGERS in Malaysia as young as 13 have been identified as being involved in synthetic drug abuse, with authorities reporting a sharp increase in cases among lower secondary school students over the past five years.
Data from the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) shows that in the first nine months of last year alone, 76,660 teenagers were recorded as being involved in the use of synthetic drugs.
AADK Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said certain synthetic substances directly affect the central nervous system and can trigger serious psychiatric conditions, making treatment and rehabilitation significantly more complex.
He said synthetic drug use has been linked to hallucinations, paranoia, depression, and violent or aggressive behaviour.
“From January to September 2025, 41,615 of those involved in synthetic drug abuse were in the 16 and 17 age group,” he said.
“The second highest group comprises lower secondary school students aged between 13 and 15, involving 25,484 individuals.”
He added that the increasing numbers reflect a troubling pattern of exposure to synthetic drugs among young people in the country.
Ruslin said synthetic drugs, particularly those under the amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) category, include crystal methamphetamine known locally as syabu or ice, methamphetamine pills such as pil kuda, Yaba, Yama and ecstasy, as well as amphetamine.
He also highlighted that psychotropic pills such as benzodiazepines, Eramin 5, Apo five and Dormicum are among substances of concern.
“Psychotropic pills such as benzodiazepines, Eramin 5, Apo five and Dormicum are also listed as worrying substances,” he said.
He stressed that synthetic drug abuse carries far more severe mental health risks compared to traditional opioid use.
“In most detected cases, the psychosis symptoms experienced can become severe because these substances act directly on brain chemistry, in addition to having long-term effects on cognitive function and emotional stability,” he said.
“This is different from opioid addiction, which has specific pharmacological treatments such as methadone therapy through the Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) programme that helps manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.”
“However, at present, there is no truly effective substitute medication for synthetic drug addiction, where treatment relies more on intensive psychosocial therapy.”
“Without substitute medication, the recovery process depends heavily on structured therapy, counselling and continuous monitoring,” he added.
Ruslin said recovery from synthetic drug addiction is more challenging due to stronger and longer-lasting psychological dependence.
“Unlike opioid addiction, which initially focuses on physical symptoms, treatment for synthetic drugs emphasises managing behavioural complications and mental health conditions from the outset,” he said.
He warned that long-term cognitive and emotional damage caused by synthetic drug abuse also hampers rehabilitation efforts, including difficulties in reintegration into society, maintaining focus during recovery programmes and avoiding relapse.
He urged greater public awareness on the dangers of synthetic drugs among students and communities, alongside stronger mental health support systems and rehabilitation resources to address the growing crisis. - April 29, 2026
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