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SANDAKAN – The society should eliminate the stigma on former drug addicts; as everyone deserves a second chance, Sabah National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) urged.
The agency’s director, Nani Sikin said as his organisation helps drug addicts across the state overcome their addiction and turn over a new leaf, their clients have struggled to return to the society as they are often judged and isolated due to their past mistakes.
“Everyone makes mistakes. They have the will and motivation to start a new life and stop using drugs… we as a society should play our roles and accept them, give them a second chance,” he told The Vibes after he launched the Recovery Day Programme with Sandakan AADK clients here, yesterday.
He referred to a case where a former drug addict, who had recovered from drug addiction after a successful two-year rehabilitation and treatment programme with AADK, had received negative remarks from his villagers.
“We know that drug addicts will do anything to get their supply of drugs. They will steal and sell anything that is available before their eyes, including their neighbour’s belongings.
“So, when this person returns to the village, the villagers would say things like ‘he is back! Hide our gas cylinder! Hide our slippers!’, which could demotivate this person from continuing his recovery journey.
“We should not be judging them that way. They should be treated equally with kindness. Give them a chance to start a new and clean life,” he said.
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Nani also asked the people in Sandakan whose family members have problems with drug addiction to not be ashamed and afraid to seek help from AADK.
He said that there is no shame in seeking for help, seeing that his agency might have suggestions to solve their problems.
“Seek help before it is too late,” he said.
At a press conference earlier, Nani thanked the Sabah government for approving Sabah AADK’s request for a second Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre in the state.
He said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had approved 33 acres of land in Jalan Balung, Tawau, to set up a rehabilitation centre and he hopes that it will be implemented soon.
Currently, the state only has one rehabilitation centre in Papar, East Coast of Sabah, which is about 368km away from Sandakan.
As of today, Sabah AADK has 1,935 clients who are still under surveillance, and 190 of them are from Sandakan AADK.
These individuals are former drug addicts who have undergone rehabilitation programmes either in rehabilitation centres or community programmes, and are now under the aftercare programme that aims to assist them towards full recovery.
Sabah AADK currently has nine offices including Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Labuan, Keningau, Beaufort, Tuaran, Kudat and Ranau.
Meanwhile, Nani said the Recovery Day Programme, which saw several clients receiving the Excellent Performance Award aims for the clients to feel supported, motivated and confident with their recovery process.
“We have also invited their family members to join us in the programme. We want them to feel accepted and supported, and that they are part of the community just like everyone else,” he said.
Also present at the programme was Sandakan AADK chief officer Aisyah Abdul Karim. – The Vibes, April 27, 2022
