Political Crisis and Poor Transportation Hinder Access to Drug Rehabilitation for Youths

July 29, 2024

HURFOM: HURFOM: Since July 2023, young men seeking treatment for drug addiction have faced significant challenges in reaching the “Rehabilitation Center for Drug Victims” operated by the Dawei District New Mon State Party (NMSP). The ongoing political crisis and poor transportation infrastructure have severely impacted their ability to access the center.

“Previously, we had over 100 young men receiving treatment for drug addiction. Now, many are inquiring about our services but are unable to reach our center due to the political crisis and transportation issues,” said an official from the “Rehabilitation Center for Drug Victims.”

The center, operated by the Dawei NMSP, accommodates not only Mon people but also individuals from Dawei and Burmese communities. Currently, the center is housing 70 young men undergoing treatment for drug addiction.

Most of these young men are from Southern Ye Township of Mon State and Yebyu Township of Tanintharyi Region, and they range in age from 17 to 55 years old.

The number of young men seeking treatment for drug addiction has sharply increased following the attempted coup, prompting the NMSP to construct additional buildings to accommodate them.

“We have no issues with accommodation. However, some young men arrive alone without their parents and cannot afford to pay for food. We have very few donors during the rainy season, and we are struggling to feed them,” the official added.

Those seeking treatment at the center must stay for at least six months and pay 100,000 MMK per month for food.

Since the attempted coup, the rule of law in Mon State has completely collapsed, leading to a dramatic rise in the use and trade of illicit drugs. The use of “Kraton leaf” is the most prevalent, followed by the “WY” tablet.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News