Drug addiction is a long-term disease that can be effectively treated through proper medical care, therapy and intensive nursing, said Iqbal Masud, a member of the National Anti-Drug Committee under the Home Affairs Ministry and Director of the Health & WASH Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission.

He made the remarks while speaking at a family meeting organised by the Ahsania Mission Female Drug Treatment & Rehabilitation Center on Monday at the Health Sector conference room of Dhaka Ahsania Mission in the capital’s Shyamoli area.

Iqbal Masud said drug addiction is one of the major social problems worldwide, but recovery is possible through evidence-based treatment following proper guidelines and for a specific duration.

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He also stressed the importance of regular post-treatment care to ensure the long-term well-being of patients.

Speaking as a guest, Dr Anika Basarat, a psychiatrist at the National Institute of Mental Health, said scolding or anger cannot help bring someone back from drug addiction.

 She urged family members to remain patient and tolerant towards those struggling with addiction.

She said love, care and compassion are crucial in helping individuals return to a drug-free life, adding that people with drug addiction should not be treated as criminals but with empathy and proper medical care to support recovery.

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The meeting was moderated by counsellor Sumaiya Tithi of the Ahsania Mission Female Drug Treatment & Rehabilitation Center.

Senior Psychologist of the Health Sector Rakhi Ganguly, Center Manager Laila Yasmin and Case Manager Rozina Khatun also spoke at the event.