KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail urged all drug treatment and rehabilitation service providers to explore new methods to improve recovery effectiveness, including using smartphone apps.
These methods can provide recovery support by providing information on tracking sobriety, managing relapses, and connecting users with support groups.
“We should not overlook that our clients have the right to recovery and receive treatment anytime, anywhere. In addition, the use of apps like tele-counselling, virtual support groups, and online forums can be explored,” he said at the 2023 National Drug Addiction Science Symposium Programme today.
Saifuddin’s speech text was read by Home Ministry deputy secretary-general (Security) Datuk Abdul Halim Abd Rahman.
Using wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers can also monitor a person’s vital signs and physical activity, in addition to the data used to assess and monitor drug addicts’ health status and relapse risk.
The minister added that using biofeedback devices and Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can provide an objective picture of the impact of interventions on clients regarding their physiological responses and changes.
He also encouraged future research in pharmacogenomics to obtain genetic information and the potential risk of individual involvement in drug use, which will facilitate the creation of appropriate and effective recovery plans.
Virtual reality (VR) is also used as one of the latest technologies to provide insights into new mechanisms for drug addiction treatment and recovery.
“Findings from previous research claim that repeated VR simulations can reduce psychophysiological responses to drug craving among respondents,” Saifuddin said.
— Bernama
