The Department of Mental Health and Drug Addiction Treatment center in Mawlamyine has seen an increase in drug patients over the past few years.
There were 180 patients in 2016, 576 patients in 2017, and 1,016 patients in 2018. As of May this year, the center admitted 395 patients alone. Of 395 patients, 75 percent said they wanted to quit drug consumption, according to the department’s record.
“When we talk about this drug issue, it is a national concern. The number of crime cases related to drugs has also increased. The number of violent cases is also increasing. It is obvious that the number of patients is increasing by looking at the number of patients being admitted at the hospitals and clinics and at the records that local community groups have sent the patients,” said Dr. Win Kyaw Thu, who is in charge of the Department of Mental Health and Drug Addiction Treatment – Mawlamyine.
Dr. Win Kyaw Thu continued that it’s estimated that only one to two percent of drug addicts are admitted to a hospital or clinic.
The Department/center of Mental Health and Drug Addiction Treatment – Mawlamyine can support up to 12 inpatients. Treatment consultations and sessions for drug patients are regularly provided free of charge.Patients seeking drug rehabilitation can attend sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. In addition, outpatients sessions occur on Monday and Wednesday and sessions for patients with mental health issues are held on Friday.
Yaba is the most used drug in Mon State, followed by Krathon leaves. Yaba and Krathon leaves can easily be exchanged among young people in villages.
“How can [people] have access to these Yaba tablets and Krathon leaves so easily? In term of the security, how is it possible for them [Yaba and Krathon] to be taken back and forth easily? I think something is wrong,” said Nai Khin Maung Htwe, the administrator of Naing Hlong Village.
The number of drug cases has increased in Mon State in recent years. In 2017, there were 270 cases, in 2018 there were 434 cases. As of May this year, there have been 168 cases, according to the Police Chief Office of Mon State Police Force.
