Research program aims to help addicts recover
Print Edition
GAINING a better understanding of the effects of increasingly popular synthetic drugs on the cognitive competence of users is the aim of a new research program, officials said yesterday.
The Shanghai Drug Rehabilitation Administration will work with local hospitals and universities to help the more than 6,000 drug addicts recovering in the city’s five compulsory rehabilitation centers.
A growing number of local users are choosing synthetic drugs over traditional narcotics such as heroin and cocaine. Five years ago, less than 50 percent of all drugs consumed were synthetic and the figure has since increased to 83 percent, according to a senior administration official, who requested anonymity.
“As synthetic drugs like amphetamines damage users’ central nervous systems directly, causing cognitive decline and other mental problems, it is a really big challenge for us,” he said. “By introducing professional social experts into the research, we hope to find new ways to restore addicts’ cognitive ability after being damaged.”
Some rehabilitation centers in Shanghai have already developed devices to help addicts restore their attentiveness, coordination and balance, which is part of a rehabilitation process that includes medical detoxification and physical and psychological therapy.
“Doctors from local hospitals, such as the Shanghai Mental Health Center, and teachers at local universities, including East China Normal University, will join the effort to research the effects of the devices and explore new ways to help people,” said the official.
According to the authorities, there were 81,269 registered drug abusers in Shanghai by the end of 2015, up 6.2 percent from the previous year.
Last year, 4,446 people were arrested by police for drug-related crimes, and 1,882 kilograms of drugs were seized.
Officials said that in addition to cracking down on drug trafficking and abuse, and improving rehabilitation capabilities, they will expand anti-drug education efforts.
One addict surnamed Sun, who is being held at the city’s only compulsory rehabilitation center for women, said she became quick-tempered and paranoid after being introduced to methamphetamine, also known as ice, by a friend in 2012.
Sun said that when she began taking the drug, she had been led to believe that it was a harmless and fashionable recreational activity, but she soon became hooked and her life rapidly went downhill.
However, after being detained at the center for 18 months, she feels she is on the road to recovery and will be released at the end of year.
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