WAR ON DRUGS INCREASES THE NUMBER OF ALCOHOLICS

The number of alcoholics in Thailand has increased by 30 percent since
the government launched its war on drugs last year, according to
medical experts. The lack of amphetamines on the local market has
forced many people to change from one addiction to another, said an
expert on drugs, director of the Thanyarak Institute, Dr. Boonrung
Worawatana.

Since the war on drugs campaign started in February 2003, more than
500,000 people have passed through rehabilitation programs, most of
whom were amphetamine addicts, according to Dr. Boonrung, who was also
awarded the 2004's Outstanding Person in the Treatment and
Rehabilitation of Drugs Addicts. Dr. Boonrung also said that an
increasing number of parents have brought their drug-addicted children
in for rehabilitation since then as well.

The Thanyarak Institute has had a 30 percent increase in the number of
alcoholics seeking treatment at their clinics since last February
according to its director. This increase in alcoholism is worrying
because it can lead to an increase in alcohol-related diseases, like
kidney failure.

The biggest problem though, according to Dr. Boonrung, is the lack of
serious follow-up and support after former drugs addicts finished
their treatment. Once they return to their community, they usually
also return to their old habits of drug use, although other forms of
addiction have replaced amphetamines because of their scarcity.
Greater efforts need to be made to find employment and educational
opportunities for ex-addicts if they are to remain drug-free, Dr.
Boonrung said.

As a result, the Thanyarak Institute now includes occupational
training as part of its rehabilitation programs. Curing drug addiction
needs an enormous commitment and resolve. Some of the Institute's drug
addicts attended its treatment programs as many as 17 times before
they finally quit drugs permanently.

Dr. Boonrung said drug addicts need a sympathetic environment and
strong support either from parents, teachers, or close friends to be
able to stay away from drugs. Drug addicts should be seen as sick
people who have used the wrong drugs, or have problems with drug
abuse. They should be advised to seek clinical help that will
eventually enable them to return to their normal lives.

Dr. Boonrung urged parents whose children suffering from drug
addiction to take them to the community hospital for treatment. At
present, there are more than 800 hospitals throughout the country
which have these facilities, said Dr. Boonrung.