Exploring trends and challenges from mandated treatment to voluntary treatment outcomes in addiction treatment in Malaysia: moving toward a person-centered service provision

ABSTRACT

Background: Malaysia has a history of taking a zero tolerance and persecutory mandated treatment approach to substance use, but a progressive harm reduction policy due to HIV risk has introduced more person-centered understanding of substance use and the need for treatment engagement. Method: This discussion paper presents recent and current substance misuse service developments in Malaysia. It discusses the need for continued development of services toward person-centered and recovery focused approaches while reducing the continuing threat of HIV. Results: Treatment approaches in the C&Cs reveal effectiveness of treatment with reduced relapse rates and treatment satisfaction. Though the treatment approach and policy developments in Malaysia mirrors the Western development of addiction policy, it needs to be able to meet specific psychosociospiritual needs of the Malaysian population. Conclusion: A case is made here for the continuing development of service provision that takes a holistic approach, and a policy stance that enables a recovery-oriented philosophy to develop in Malaysia.

KEYWORDS:

• Mandated treatment
• voluntary treatment
• addiction treatment
• harm reduction
• Malaysia

Acknowledgments

Thank you, Dr. Lucy Webb, Senior Lecturer, and Supervisor, from Manchester Metropolitan University, for patiently guiding me through this publication.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.