9-year-old in govt drug-rehab programme
The youngest drug addict participating in a government rehabilitation scheme is 9, while young addicts are prone to new consumption methods in which amphetamines or other substances are mixed with cough syrup and carbonated drinks, a Public Health Ministr
The proportion of female addicts has increased from 5 to 20 per cent, while crystal meth was becoming more popular among young adults, said Bunrueng Trainruengworrawat, the head of a ministry rehabilitation centre. The ministry is now focusing on preventing drug addicts from becoming repeat addicts, while minimising the chance of them trying other substances.
Amphetamine is the most used, at 70 per cent of 372,986 cases, while the rest use marijuana and other substances. A total of 249,397 drug addicts volunteered to undergo rehab courses from October to June 30, while 112,124 were ordered to, including 11,465 inmates, he said. The 9yearold child, of unknown gender, underwent a course for addiction to unknown substances.
The ministry is concerned over various methods and mixtures of narcotics and other drugs or substances, such as cold pills, cough syrups, sodas and herbal potions, which could cause longterm detrimental effects, or even fatal high blood pressure or rapid heartbeat.
