According to him, only one in four drug addicts are detected and the emergence of newer designer drugs in the social scene means the numbers could have increased.

"Drug dependence is a problem that is made worse by silence. The taboo and stigma that is prevalent in society must be addressed and corrected before the authorities can move forward in ensuring treatment for individuals affected by drug dependence," said Chow during the Celebrate Jiwa Baru launch last week.

Celebrate Jiwa Baru is the first month-long effort, from Sept 10 to Oct 10, dedicated to create awareness and recovery from drug dependence.

It is a call to all individuals to take a closer look at the problem of drug abuse in Malaysia as well as drug dependence, of which opioid dependence is a major factor. Opioids are substances used to relieve pain.

The campaign also aims to highlight the importance of drug substitution treatment. Chow said there are two common misconceptions about drug addiction.

The first is that the addict thinks he can kick the habit on his own such as cutting down on the amount of drug intake gradually. Chow feels that a person should stop denying his drug problem and seek help from the experts to kick it instead.

The second misconception is that there is no proper treatment to help addicts kick the habit. There is treatment available and if the addict sticks to it, he/she will be drug free.

Celebrate Jiwa Baru is also a concerted effort to highlight the many challenges of drug dependence and to help get rid of the stigma that surrounds drug addiction in Malaysia.

A key element of the Celebrate Jiwa Baru campaign is the Jiwa Baru Short Film/Documentary Competition, which is open to all Malaysians. The competition is a means to engage fellow Malaysians in celebrating recovery by educating the public on the treatment options for drug dependency.

The entries will be judged by independent filmmaker Zan Azlee, Taylor’s College School of Communication programme director Josephine Tan, local television producer Ng Ping Ho, and 8TV CEO Ahmad Izham Omar.

The closing date for submissions is Nov 20.

Celebrate Jiwa Baru is supported by the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations Malaysia, Addiction Medicine Association of Malaysia and Schering-Plough Sdn Bhd. – S. Indra Sathiabalan

For details on the competition, call 03-7843 3121/22 or log on to www.jiwabaru.com.my. For treatment options for drug dependence, call the campaign hotline at 1300-80-7777 or email to help@jiwabaru.com.my  or log on to www.jiwabaru.com.my.