Challenges and Remedies Attributed Towards the Changing Trends of Drug Abuse from Traditional to Amphetamine Derivatives in Malaysia – A Critical Review

Drug problems in Malaysia seem to be on the rise despite harsh penalties for those caught supplying the drug. For many years the main threat appeared to be from heroin. This continues to be the most widely abused drug in the country however other substances are not far behind of particular concern is the growing popularity of methamphetamine-seizure of this substance in 2013 were the highest on record. The changing trend of drug problems from traditional drugs of abuse such as cannabis and opioids towards synthetic drugs such as Amphetamine-type Stimulants (ATS) reveals the need to move in that direction. This paper gives a critical review of the changing pattern of drug abuse form traditional drugs to ATS which includes methamphetamine, ecstasy and eramin 5 etc. Stastical analysis, origin and history along with the problems associated with drug use, recent treatment initiatives undertaken and recommendations.