Drug addiction is a long-term disease that can be effectively treated through proper medical care, therapy, and intensive nursing, said Iqbal Masud, Member of the National Anti-Drug Committee under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Director of the Health & WASH Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission.
He made the remarks at a family meeting organized by the Ahsania Mission Female Drug Treatment & Rehabilitation Center at 11:00 am on Monday (February 2) at the Health Sector conference room of Dhaka Ahsania Mission in Shyamoli, the capital.
Iqbal Masud stated that drug addiction is one of the major social problems worldwide. However, with evidence-based treatment following proper guidelines and a specific duration, recovery is possible. He emphasized that regular post-treatment care is essential to ensure the long-term well-being of patients.
As a guest speaker, Dr. Anika Basarat, a psychiatrist from the National Institute of Mental Health, also addressed the meeting. She said that scolding or anger cannot help bring someone back from drug addiction. Family members must remain patient and tolerant toward individuals struggling with addiction. She stressed that love, care, and compassion are key to helping them return to a drug-free life. She further added that people with drug addiction should not be viewed as criminals, but rather treated with empathy and provided with proper medical care for recovery.
The meeting was moderated by counselor Sumaiya Tithi of the Ahsania Mission Female Drug Treatment & Rehabilitation Center. Other speakers included Senior Psychologist of the Health Sector Rakhi Ganguly, Center Manager Laila Yasmin, and Case Manager Rozina Khatun.
