Speakers at a discussion meeting said on Wednesday that social stigma is the main reason why female substance users are unwilling to seek treatment.
The rate of substance abuse among the female is frighteningly increasing along with the men, said Additional Director of Narcotics Control Department Md Zafarullah Kazal.
“If it is not controlled, it will take a horrendous form in the society,” he said.
The speakers said this in a discussion meeting organised by Ahsania Mission Female Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in the city's Shyamoli area.
Former resident psychiatrist of Govt Central Drug Treatment Centre Dr. Aktaruzzaman Salim, Assistant Director (Medical Services) of health sector Dr. Naila Parveen were present as special guests in the programme which was presided over by Mr. Iqbal Masud, Director Health and WASH Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission.
Iqbal Masud said that since 2014 a total of 647 patients have been treated for substance use, mental disorders and behavioural issues among which 129 patients relapsed and took re-treatment under their supervision.