Pubdate: Fri, 02 Jul 2004 Source: Pattaya Mail (Thailand) Copyright: 2004Pattaya Mail. Contact: Website: http://www.pattayamail.com/ Website: http://www.pattayamail.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2970 WAR ON DRUGS INCREASES THE NUMBER OF ALCOHOLICS The number of alcoholics in Thailand has increased by 30 percent since the government launched its war on drugs last year, according to medical experts. The lack of amphetamines on the local market has forced many people to change from one addiction to another, said an expert on drugs, director of the Thanyarak Institute, Dr. Boonrung Worawatana. Since the war on drugs campaign started in February 2003, more than 500,000 people have passed through rehabilitation programs, most of whom were amphetamine addicts, according to Dr. Boonrung, who was also awarded the 2004's Outstanding Person in the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Drugs Addicts. Dr. Boonrung also said that an increasing number of parents have brought their drug-addicted children in for rehabilitation since then as well. The Thanyarak Institute has had a 30 percent increase in the number of alcoholics seeking treatment at their clinics since last February according to its director. This increase in alcoholism is worrying because it can lead to an increase in alcohol-related diseases, like kidney failure. The biggest problem though, according to Dr. Boonrung, is the lack of serious follow-up and support after former drugs addicts finished their treatment. Once they return to their community, they usually also return to their old habits of drug use, although other forms of addiction have replaced amphetamines because of their scarcity. Greater efforts need to be made to find employment and educational opportunities for ex-addicts if they are to remain drug-free, Dr. Boonrung said. As a result, the Thanyarak Institute now includes occupational training as part of its rehabilitation programs. Curing drug addiction needs an enormous commitment and resolve. Some of the Institute's drug addicts attended its treatment programs as many as 17 times before they finally quit drugs permanently. Dr. Boonrung said drug addicts need a sympathetic environment and strong support either from parents, teachers, or close friends to be able to stay away from drugs. Drug addicts should be seen as sick people who have used the wrong drugs, or have problems with drug abuse. They should be advised to seek clinical help that will eventually enable them to return to their normal lives. Dr. Boonrung urged parents whose children suffering from drug addiction to take them to the community hospital for treatment. At present, there are more than 800 hospitals throughout the country which have these facilities, said Dr. Boonrung. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh