Drug addiction community based treatment in Cambodia
Kim Savuon
Mental Health Association of Cambodia, Cambodia
: J Addict Behav Ther Rehabil
Abstract
Currently; World faces New Psychoactive Substances that not registered in the appendix of the UN convention on substances influenced on central nervous system 1971. The drug problem today is a major global concern including Cambodia. In 2016 National Authority Combating Drug (NACD) of Cambodia found total drug user 20,621. Age group 10-17 (5.2%), 18-25 (43.93%); 26-35 (41.07%); 36-45 (7.86%); 46 and above 1.96%; Total treated in temporary centre 7,301 in both public and private. At public facilities 5,044 treated in RH and health centre (177) 4,300. Types of substances uses found ice 71.04%; ecstasy 1.05%; Heroin 0.75%; Ketamine 0.91%; Marijuana 1.17%; others 7.11%. Occupation of substance user found government officer 2.99%; students 28.61%; labours 21.21%; businessman 5.04%; unemployment 26.88%; homeless 4.24%; others 10.99%. 9,933 suspected criminal offenders arrested. There are no psychiatric hospital available in the country Because of the paucity of psychiatrists (64 psychiatrists, 4 psychiatric residents and 44 psychiatrist nurses) and hospital resources (8 national hospitals, 104 Referral Hospitals (around 40% has mental health services), and 1187 health centers15% of them has mental health services). The treatments for mental illnesses as well as for drug users most focus on symptomatic and medicines only. Drug users are increasingly and spread into remote area. Target risk group fear to accept drug addiction awareness and education. Expand services to rural areas, as well as at-risk demographics to address gaps in treatment for drug users across Cambodia. Reduction of drug users needs inter-sectorial collaboration through early detection, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
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