Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi people are welcome and the entire program is done in English with local medical staff and Western counselors. 

Introduction: The Drug and Alcohol Crisis in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a developing country in South Asia, is grappling with a mounting crisis of drug and alcohol abuse. Over recent years, the nation has seen a surge in substance misuse, with the youth population being particularly affected. What started as isolated incidents has now morphed into a nationwide issue that is posing serious threats to the social, economic, and health fabrics of the country.

In Bangladesh, the commonly abused substances range from alcohol and tobacco to illicit drugs like yaba (a combination of methamphetamine and caffeine), heroin, and phensedyl (a codeine-based cough syrup). The increasing demand for these substances has also fueled the growth of a black market, leading to a vicious cycle of supply, consumption, and addiction.

Beyond individual suffering, the repercussions of this crisis are far-reaching. They impact families and communities, strain the healthcare system, contribute to crime rates, and hinder the country’s overall progress. Despite the government’s efforts to curb this growing menace through laws and rehabilitation programs, the challenges remain significant.

This article aims to shed light on the current state of the drug and alcohol crisis in Bangladesh, discuss the issues associated with local rehabilitation services, and introduce potential alternatives for those seeking help. A deep dive into this issue will reveal the complex layers of the problem and hopefully, guide us towards effective solutions.

The Recent Surge in Substance Abuse: An Overview

The past few years have seen an alarming increase in substance abuse in Bangladesh. Data from the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) paints a stark picture of the escalating crisis. In 2017, an average of 69 patients were treated daily at public and private rehabilitation centers, a number that rose to 104 in 2018 and further to 114 in 2019​¹​. Over the past five years, at least 90,133 people received treatment at government rehabilitation centers, while 53,720 individuals sought help at private facilities​¹​. These figures provide clear evidence of a significant rise in drug abuse across the nation.

The surge in substance abuse has not been limited to a particular demographic either. Disturbingly, the number of female drug addicts seeking treatment increased fourfold in 2019, compared to the previous year​¹​. From urban areas to the most remote corners of rural Bangladesh, drug addiction is an issue that knows no boundaries, permeating every level of society​¹​.

Among the youth, the prevalence of drug addiction is particularly concerning. Various factors contribute to this, including the inability to cope with failure, social unrest, tension, boredom, loneliness, and changing family structure. The easy availability of narcotics, particularly yaba, is a significant factor behind the rise in the number of drug addicts. The drug, a powerful stimulant, can be easily ordered over the phone or online, making it readily accessible to Bangladesh’s young population​¹​.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Myanmar, a major source of yaba production, has yet to take visible actions against yaba trafficking despite previous promises to do so. As a result, yaba continues to flood into Bangladesh, exacerbating the existing drug problem​¹​.

The surge in substance abuse has not gone unnoticed or unchallenged, however. Government and societal efforts are ongoing to combat the issue, but the challenge is immense. A total war against drug barons who control the smuggling operations is necessary. These individuals, using their massive wealth and influence, have established a powerful presence in society, making them difficult to counteract​¹​.

Moreover, while drug rehabilitation efforts are ongoing, there are still districts in Bangladesh that lack rehabilitation centers altogether. Initiatives are needed to set up facilities for the treatment of drug addicts in these areas and motivate the youth to avoid drugs and build a better life​¹​.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the societal impact of this crisis, the challenges faced by drug rehabilitation services in Bangladesh, and potential alternatives for those seeking help.

The Impact of Drug and Alcohol Abuse on Society

The societal impact of drug and alcohol abuse is multi-faceted and extends far beyond the individual user. In Bangladesh, as in many other South Asian countries, the common substances of abuse include heroin, cannabis, opium, and various pharmaceutical preparations, with alcohol and tobacco often used in combination with these drugs​¹​.

Families bear a heavy burden when a member falls into substance abuse. Cultural and social factors related to drug behavior can lead to a draining of family resources, a shirking of responsibilities, and even sickness and death as a direct result of drug abuse. This can further lead to extramarital relations, distortion of interpersonal family relationships, and violence. The reaction of family members to drug addiction often includes denial, blame, suppressed anger, depression, bargaining, preoccupation, changes in personality, and codependency. Friends and the broader community also often respond negatively, with some breaking ties altogether and others showing resistance and non-supportive attitudes, such as hopelessness and shame​¹​.

Studies have shown that drug abuse can lead directly to poverty and family breakdown. For instance, weekly expenditure on drugs can be considerable, leading to significant financial strain on families and often resulting in poverty being passed down from parents to children. In some families, the drug-dependent member has died due to their dependence​¹​.

Women, who constitute up to 17 percent of lifetime abusers in South Asian countries, face particular challenges. Many are marginalized from society, especially when a family member abuses drugs. Reports indicate that a substantial percentage of women drug addicts are divorced, separated, or widowed, and that treatment facilities for women are often limited, stigmatizing, and not suited to their needs. Moreover, a survey revealed that more than 80 percent of addicts engaged in domestic violence, causing further harm to the women in their lives​¹​.

Drug and alcohol abuse also impacts young people and the workforce. Reports of substance abuse among children below the age of 7, as well as the initiation of alcohol, tobacco, heroin, and cannabis use among adolescents and young adults, highlight the early onset of this problem. This abuse is also associated with crime, including drug peddling, petty crimes, and road accidents committed under the influence of alcohol. Many addicts come into conflict with the law, and substance abuse can significantly impair work performance and academic achievement. Some addicts are unable to work or attend to their studies, and others change jobs due to their addiction. Employers’ responses vary, with some sympathizing and advising, others terminating the employment of addicts, and still others accepting the drug abuse habit of the employee​¹​.

In conclusion, the social and economic consequences of drug abuse are significant and far-reaching, impacting not only the lives of drug abusers but also their families and the broader community. It is therefore imperative to consider these aspects in the development of strategies for the treatment and prevention of addiction​¹​.

Analyzing Government Studies on Substance Abuse

Based on the information found, it is clear that substance abuse is a pressing issue in Bangladesh, with an alarming rise in recent times. The number of patients seeking treatment for drug addiction has increased significantly, rising from 69 patients per day in 2017 to 114 in 2019. In the past five years, at least 90,133 people have received treatment at government rehabilitation centres and 53,720 at private facilities. It is also noteworthy that the number of female drug addicts increased fourfold in 2019. The overall increase in drug addiction is largely attributed to the easy availability of narcotics, with the illicit drug yaba being particularly prevalent. The role of Myanmar as a major sourcing country of yaba production has been highlighted, and the need for a crackdown on drug trafficking is emphasized​¹​.

On the social consequences of drug abuse in South Asia, including Bangladesh, the impact on families is significant. The issues include draining of family resources, shirking of responsibilities, sickness and death due to drug abuse, extramarital relations, distortion of family relationships, and violence. Studies show that drug abuse often leads to poverty and family breakdown. It has been reported that in 14% of families, a drug-dependent family member died due to their addiction. Women abusers are increasingly marginalized from society and suffer greatly when a family member abuses drugs. Furthermore, the treatment facilities for women are limited, stigmatizing, and often not suited to their needs. Drug abuse below age 7 has been reported, with initiation of alcohol and tobacco as early as age 7–10, and of heroin and cannabis at age 18–20. There is also a strong association between drugs and crime, and drug addiction often has a severe impact on work and education. The societal cost of drug abuse is enormous and multifaceted​²​.

Challenges Faced by Drug Rehabilitation Services in Bangladesh

Drug rehabilitation services in Bangladesh face multiple challenges. The first issue is the alarming rise in drug abuse in the country, particularly amongst young people and women, which has led to an increased demand for these services. The number of patients with drug addiction problems has increased significantly over the last few years, with 114 patients receiving treatment daily on average in 2019, compared to 69 in 2017. Moreover, the number of female drug addicts increased four times in 2019 compared to 2018​¹​.

The key reason behind this rise in drug addiction is the easy availability of narcotics, especially a substance called yaba. The trafficking of yaba from Myanmar to Bangladesh has not been effectively halted, further exacerbating the issue​¹​.

Rehabilitation services are also strained due to the lack of adequate facilities. As of the date of the source, there were no rehabilitation centers in 23 districts of the country. Initiatives need to be taken to set up more facilities to meet the growing need​¹​.

The social consequences of drug abuse in Bangladesh and South Asia at large are profound. Families suffer from the draining of resources, shrinkage of responsibilities, sickness, and death. Studies indicate that drug abuse leads to poverty and family breakdown. Moreover, women drug abusers, which are on an increase in South Asian countries, face particular challenges as treatment facilities for women are limited, stigmatizing, and not suited to their needs. Furthermore, a significant percentage of drug abusers indulge in domestic violence​²​.

Existing Local Services for Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Existing Local Services for Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation in Bangladesh:

1. Promises Medical Limited:

• Licensed under Health & Narcotics Department of Bangladesh
• Focuses on treating drug addiction and mental disorders
• Offers thorough examination and tested techniques
• Provides residential rooms, on-call therapists, nurses, and caregivers
• Specializes in treatment for women with substance abuse problems
• Location: House 17, Road 20, Block J, Baridhara Dhaka-1212
• Contact: +88 01622 99776

2. Niramoy Hospital:

• Licensed under Health & Narcotics Department of Bangladesh
• Specializes in treating serious mental illnesses and drug addiction
• Provides residential room facilities and a professional rescue team
• Location: 13/19, Block-B, Babor Road, Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207

3. Golden Life BD:

• Licensed under Department of Narcotics Control Bangladesh and Department of Social Services
• Offers extensive residential care, counseling, and therapy sessions
• Provides Narcotics Anonymous (NA) program-based therapy
• Location: House 33, Block-F, Kolowala Para, Mirpur-1, Dhaka-1216 (Opposite of Sony Cinema Hall)

4. Omega Point Drug Addiction Treatment Center:

• Operating since 2007
• Offers a variety of services for drug and alcohol addiction
• Provides customized services in a disciplined and caring setting
• Offers residential treatment and emphasizes aftercare
• Location: House 4, Block G, Road 2, Commercial Plot, Mirpur-1, Dhaka

5. PheraBD:

• Established in 2003
• Works on drug abuse issues and encourages collaboration between public and private organizations
• Supports government agencies and organizations in running treatment facilities
• Specializes in co-occurring disorders and uses the “Integrated Cognitive-Behavior Treatment (ICBT) Model”
• Location: House 46, Road 03, Sector 10 Uttara Model Town, Dhaka 1230

Siam Rehab in Thailand: A Potential Alternative for Bangladeshis

Rehabilitation services play a crucial role in helping people recover from a wide variety of ailments, including substance addiction, physical injuries, and mental health issues. While local resources are available in many countries, certain people may seek alternatives in different locations due to a variety of reasons like the quality of service, pricing, or even seeking anonymity.

Siam Rehab in Thailand is a prominent rehabilitation center that offers a comprehensive set of treatment services. For Bangladeshis, it could be a potential alternative for multiple reasons:

1. International Standards: Siam Rehab is recognized for its adherence to international standards of treatment. The staff comprises of experienced professionals, including psychologists and counselors, who offer individualized care to patients.

2. Geographical Proximity: Thailand is relatively close to Bangladesh, making it an accessible option for those who can afford the travel. The short flight distance reduces travel stress and complications.

3. Cost: Compared to rehabilitation services in the Western countries, Siam Rehab offers affordable treatment plans. While it may still be more expensive than local services in Bangladesh, the cost-benefit ratio can be justified by the quality of care and facilities provided.

4. Treatment Modalities: Siam Rehab provides a variety of treatment options, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, physical therapy, and even holistic activities like yoga. This provides a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to recovery.

5. Privacy and Anonymity: For individuals who wish to keep their treatment private, going abroad can offer increased anonymity. Siam Rehab respects patient privacy and provides a discrete service.

6. Comfortable Environment: The facility is located in a serene and beautiful environment, which can help facilitate recovery. It provides an escape from the usual environment, allowing individuals to focus on recovery without the distractions or triggers of daily life.