Dhaka:Recovery from drug addiction is an ongoing process requiring continuous care and support, as highlighted by speakers during a discussion organized by Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) and the Bangladesh Chapter of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) at the DAM office in Shyamoli on the occasion of Recovery Day 2026.
According to United News of Bangladesh, September is globally recognized as Recovery Month, with this year's theme being 'Recovery Is Real Restoring Every Aspect of Life.' This theme underscores the crucial need to assist individuals in rebuilding various aspects of their lives during recovery.
Prof Dr MA Mohit Kamal, a psychiatrist and chairman of the Bangladesh Chapter of ISSUP, emphasized that sustainable recovery requires more than just medical treatment. It relies heavily on family support, aftercare, peer support, relapse prevention, and access to education, employment, and social opportunities. He stressed the importance of a continuum of care, spanning from early intervention and treatment to rehabilitation, aftercare, and community-based support, to prevent relapse.
Mohit also noted that returning to the same environment after treatment, along with challenges such as unemployment, family conflicts, and social stigma, can increase the risk of relapse. He advocated for avoiding derogatory labels like 'addicts' for those with drug dependence, encouraging a view of them as individuals with a health condition. Compassion over stigma is vital to making the recovery journey easier and helping individuals rebuild their lives.
Iqbal Masud, director of the Health and Nutrition Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission and General Secretary of the Bangladesh Chapter of ISSUP, presented a national study revealing that approximately 8.2 million people in Bangladesh use some form of drugs, which is 4.88 percent of the population. The study found that substance use often starts early, with about 33 percent beginning between ages 8 and 17, and 59 percent between 18 and 25. Nearly 90 percent reported easy access to drugs.
The study also highlighted that about 69 percent of respondents sought treatment or rehabilitation services, and 62 percent wanted counseling support, yet only 13 percent had access to such services. The speakers reiterated that recovery should not conclude with the completion of a treatment program, but instead requires a continuum of care linking prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation, aftercare, relapse prevention, social reintegration, and long-term community support.