Drug addiction continues to be misunderstood by society, which sees it as a moral failing or a crime instead of a mental illness.
This was the view of Dr Sandi Syiem, Director of SANKER and renowned mental health expert, who has dedicated decades of his life to mental illness.
In an interview, he pointed out that substance use is not a new phenomenon – alcohol has been consumed for over 10,000 years, while cannabis has been used for 7,000 to 8,000 years. Although new drugs have emerged, the core issues surrounding addiction remain the same.
Dr Syiem explained that addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing or a crime and should be addressed through a medical lens rather than dismissed as a social problem.
He noted that while many people use substances, only a vulnerable few develop an addiction due to their biological susceptibility. With increasing drug use and a rising population, Dr Syiem highlighted a pressing need for more treatment centres. SANKER, founded in 1990, is a private mental health institute and one of the first in the state.
Despite the need for more centres, he cautioned against a rapid expansion without checks and a strong institutional framework as many existing rehab centres operate below acceptable standards due to a lack of regulation and oversight.
He stressed the importance of the Mental Health Authority in ensuring proper regulation of these facilities across the region.
To address the shortage of trained professionals, SANKER has initiated training programmes designed to equip healthcare workers with the skills necessary to manage addiction effectively and implement long-term interventions.
While acknowledging recent government efforts to tackle drug-related crimes, Dr Syiem argued that addressing addiction cannot rely solely on law enforcement.
He emphasised that the medical community must take a leading role in confronting the crisis. Additionally, he suggested that every constituency should have a dedicated rehabilitation stream to ensure comprehensive and accessible care.
According to Dr Syiem, a collaborative and regulated approach is crucial for effectively tackling the addiction crisis.
