Wednesday, February 10, 2010

November 24, 2009 15:15 PM

Second Chance At Life For Former Drug Addicts

SEPANG, 24 Nov (Bernama) -- Former drug addict Kahar Mahsuri has managed to stay away from drugs for more than 20 years now and feels blessed to be given a second chance at life.

"Support from family and the community is very crucial in the rehabilitation of drug addicts," said the 51-year-old from Muar, Johor, who is now a successful Class F contractor.

Kahar said he started drugs at the age of 17 and was dependent on it for 14 years until he was caught and sent for rehabilitation.

"We need support from family members and the local community to help us get back into society," he added.

He said it was initially difficult for him to adapt to normal life in the society after his release from the rehabilitation centre, but he managed to go through it with support and motivation from family and friends.

Kahar was among 18 former drug addicts awarded for having successfully led a drug-free life for more than 20 years after leaving their rehabilitation centres.

The award was presented by National Anti-Drug Agency Director-General Datuk Abdul Bakir Zin at a function Monday night.

Another recipient is K. P. Durai Panilian, 53, from Ipoh , Perak, who became a drug user at the age of nine.

"I don't do drugs anymore and it has been 24 years now. I owe it to my family for their support ," he added.

Durai Panilian, who has four children aged 12 to 19 years, is now the principal of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, The Vineyard Keeper, in Chemor, Perak.

Earlier in his speech, Abdul Bakir said the community rehabilitation programme had been a success with 51 per cent of drug addicts rehabilitated between January and October this year.

-- BERNAMA

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