Parents abandon drug-addict children at NMSP’s rehabilitation centers

October 19, 2023

HURFOM: In order to provide treatment and rehabilitate drug-addicted children in the Mon area, the New Mon State Party established a “Rehabilitation Center for Drug Victims” based in Thaton, Mawlamyine and Dawei Districts.

As of today, there are between 60 to 70 victims of substance abuse seeking treatment in the three centers. Most were voluntarily sent by their parents.

After sending their children to the rehabilitation center, most parents never visit their children and essentially abandon them, said an official at one of the rehabilitation centers.

“According to the NMSP policy, we can look after a resident only for six months. But now it’s been more than a year. The parents never visit the center to see their children. It looks like they’ve abandoned them here,” said the official.

Due to the political situation, the trade and use of illicit drugs has increased across Mon State as has drinking “Kratom Leaf Liquor”. This has become the culture in every village in Mon State.

“Some children abandoned by their parents suffer mental health problems and psychological disorders. Some parents never come to see their children and some have been here for more than a year. Every center takes on the responsibility to care and feed these abandoned children,” continued the official.

The NMSP started the construction of the rehabilitation center on February 13, 2019 and began accepting substance abusers in April, 2022.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News