Clients’ Recovery From Drug Addiction Signifies Independence For Puspen Instructors

By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Independence carries different interpretations, and for instructors at the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen), it is not only about liberation from colonialism but also about witnessing clients overcome drug addiction.

Sepang Puspen instructor Hasrolaznam Kamarulzaman, 48, said the success of helping those who had erred to get back on their feet, start anew, live independently and reintegrate into society was indescribable.

“Seeing clients free from drugs is a true meaning of independence for me as an instructor. For them (clients), independence means freedom from addiction, and for me (as an instructor), it is when they (clients) fully recover,” he told Bernama recently.

Hasrolaznam said that although his career took a different path from his software engineering background, he has found a passion in guiding people to rebuild their lives and live with greater meaning.

“No one wants to end up a drug addict. They simply took a wrong turn. When I am with them, I can see their will to change and recover, and they know addiction only causes them trouble and pain,” he said.

According to Hasrolaznam, his role was not only to guide but also to equip clients with survival skills like cooking, sewing, haircutting and basic vehicle repair to help them rebuild their lives after leaving the rehabilitation centre.

He acknowledged that the job demands much of his time, energy, and emotions, but sees it as a meaningful contribution to the nation and the well-being of his beloved country.

“There are times I don’t go home for two or three days. But Alhamdulillah, my child understands and even tells me he’s proud of my work in helping others. That, to me, is the greatest blessing from Allah,” said Hasrolaznam, a father of a 17-year-old.

Junaidah Jaafar, 53, said her role as an instructor went beyond the usual 8 am to 5 pm routine, as she also had to be ready for situations like sick clients or late-night emergencies.

“We have to be there for them at all times. If we don’t care, who will?” she said.

Junaidah said her most heartwarming experience was meeting former clients outside the centre, healthier, more confident, and still greeting her warmly despite having undergone rehabilitation at Puspen.

However, not every story ended happily. She recalled clients who relapsed after recovery and even one instance when she had to detain a former client while serving in the enforcement division of the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK)

“It broke my heart because she looked so determined to start fresh, but the pressures she faced pulled her back.

“Their strength comes from ours. That’s why we’re taught to see clients differently. If we can’t see the good in them, how can we expect society to?” she said, adding that the biggest challenge for instructors is never giving up, even when clients relapse.

Meanwhile, Sepang Puspen director Shamsul Anuar Mohamad Saleh said that in 2023, AADK introduced the Sepang Eco-Challenge and Outdoor Recovery Park to broaden recovery services, engaging clients in recreational activities, financial management, and projects utilising land and other resources.

Spanning 19.6 hectares, the recreational park offers team-building activities, water sports, and 15 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), helping clients gain confidence and skills while allowing the community to see them as ordinary people determined to make a fresh start.

“There is often a stigma around clients, but when they come here, they see that clients can function just like anyone else.

“Clients take on roles as facilitators, activity guides and even help with maintenance. This creates a win-win situation where clients build confidence and the community learns to accept them,” he said.

Shamsul Anuar stressed that recovery was a lifelong process for clients and the community must continue supporting them throughout the journey.

He added that AADK’s future plans for the park included upgrading recreational facilities, improving accommodation for visitors, introducing more water sports such as kayaking and jet skiing, and expanding recreational options to encourage greater community engagement.

-- BERNAMA