Surge In Mental Disorders Among Puspen Residents Linked To Synthetic Drug Use

KEPALA BATAS, June 27 (Bernama) -- The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) is now facing a new challenge in its rehabilitation efforts as more residents at the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) are not only suffering from drug addiction but are also being diagnosed with mental health disorders caused by synthetic drugs. 

AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said from January to March this year, 1,346 out of 5,030 residents undergoing treatment at PUSPEN and within the community were found to have dual diagnoses, drug addiction and mental disorders. 

“We have detected a significant increase in dual diagnoses among drug addicts and abusers, where individuals experience both drug addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously. 

“This development poses a new challenge to the agency as treatment is no longer focused solely on addiction but must also address mental health aspects,” he told reporters after officiating the launch of the 2026 National Anti-Drug Day here today. 

The event, held at Dataran Sungai Muda, Kampung Titi Merdeka, was officiated by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and attended by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman and state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.

Ruslin said the issue of dual diagnoses is largely linked to the increasingly widespread use of synthetic drugs, including prohibited substances mixed into vape liquids that are easily accessible. 

He said the mental disorders experienced by addicts include depression, emotional instability and hallucinations, with some cases showing tendencies toward self-harm and suicidal thoughts due to the effects of synthetic drug use. 

“Among the worrying problems are tendencies toward self-harm and suicidal behaviour, believed to stem from the hallucinations they experience. 

“Therefore, the mental health aspect must be given serious attention as it directly affects the effectiveness of the drug rehabilitation process, and we are working with the Ministry of Health on this,” he said. 

He said the situation has also prompted AADK to improve its existing treatment modules, which previously focused more on traditional drug addiction such as heroin, morphine and cannabis. 

“We are now facing a new challenge as addicts are not only dealing with addiction but also mental health issues that require a more comprehensive treatment approach. This calls for continuous review of rehabilitation modules to ensure they remain relevant to the evolving patterns of drug abuse,” he said. 

-- BERNAMA