One single drug that sends most addicts to Kuching rehab centre
KUCHING: Syabu or methamphetamine seems to be the main reason why addicts end up making a rehab centre here their home away from home.
According to a statistics with the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) Kuching, which houses these addicts, syabu has been the most sought after drug in Sarawak since 2014.
The statistics said Puspen registered 149 syabu abuse cases until last Dec 17 while for the same period in previous years the statistics were: 2017 (117 syabu cases); 2014 (143); 2015 (141); and 2016 (132).
On the other hand, taking of other drugs was nowhere near the popularity of syabu among these addicts, with just one case each reported for eramine, ketamine, heroine and nospen abuse.
No cases of amphetamine, ganja, and morphine abuse were recorded by Puspen.
Last year, no cases of eramine, heroine, and morphine abuse were reported, while three cases for amphetamine were recorded, four cases for ganja, and one each for ketamine and nospan.
The statistics also showed that 153 drug abusers were admitted to Puspen this year, an increase since 2014’s 145 cases.
The year 2015 also registered 145 admissions while 2016 registered 133 and 2017 (126).
Out of the 153 drug abusers this year, 80 were unemployed, 68 were labourers, four private sector employees and one public sector employee.
The statistics also revealed that of the 153 drug abusers, 109 were SPM holders, 34 PMR holders, eight STPM or diploma holders and two did not go to school.
The year’s statistics also showed that those aged 22 to 29 recorded the highest with 77 drug abusers; those below 21 (12 cases); 30 to 39 (57); and 40 to 49 (7).
No cases were registered for those from the age of 50 upwards.
