(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) As part of a new initiative by the National Committee for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances' (NCNDPS), 13 persons from Oman have undergone a drug rehabilitation training programme at Pengasih Malaysia, a non-profit organisation started by former drug users in 1987.
The 13 - in batches of six and seven - attended the training course that dealt with the fundamentals of rehabilitation, treatment and aftercare of drug users, and learning the basics of overcoming addiction.
Pengasih Malaysia uses therapeutic approach to treat those suffering from substance abuse such as drugs, chemicals and alcohol.
Dr Mahmood al Abri, in charge of Al Masarrah Hospital's addiction department and director of NCNDPS said, ''This is the first time that we sent a team from the sultanate to train in Malaysia as the methods used there to treat drug addicts are different.''
Dr Abri said more than 3,600 drug addicts have registered with the hospital for treatment. These include those who have recovered and those seeking treatment.
Taimur Mohammed Said al Balushi, a nurse specialising in mental health at Al Massarah and a certified trainer who underwent the course said, ''It was an enriching experience. We have rehab techniques in Oman, but the way they do is more psychological than focusing only on medication.
''They have something called a therapeutic community centre that helps in interactive sessions with the residents at a personal level.''
Yahya al Riyami, an NCNDPS member, who also underwent the training said, ''We wanted to work with the Malaysian centre to learn from their experience. They have more than 20 years' experience of treating drug addicts, and 99 per cent success rate.''
Riyami added, ''We need more staffers who can speak to the patients in Arabic. The staff should be calm and have listening skil
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