Dr Prem Kumar - Why Drug, Alcohol Addiction is Rising Among Malaysians

Addiction in Malaysia, what’s really going on? From substance abuse to social media addiction, the struggle is more complex than most people realize. In this episode, Dr. Prem Kumar unpacks the hidden layers of addiction, from its deep ties to mental health and ADHD to the way technology is shaping new forms of dependency. It’s not just about bad choices - socioeconomic struggles, brain chemistry, and even modern lifestyles play a role.

But where do we go from here? Dr. Prem breaks down harm reduction strategies, early intervention, and the urgent need for better awareness in families. He also shares why mental health professionals themselves need support, plus what Malaysia can learn from global trends in addiction treatment. Whether you’re directly affected or just curious, this conversation shines a light on the realities most people don’t talk about.

Chapters:
00:00 - Understanding Addiction in Malaysia
02:46 - Drivers of Addiction Trends
05:15 - Socioeconomic Factors and Addiction
08:17 - The Spectrum of Addiction
10:39 - Civil Servants and Addiction
13:26 - The Impact of New Substances
16:22 - Behavioral Addictions and Technology
18:54 - Digital Dualism and Mental Health
21:40 - Treatment Approaches for Addiction
24:04 - Creating Awareness and Early Intervention
25:53 - Understanding Addiction as a Disease
27:39  - ADHD and Its Connection to Addiction
31:05  - Preventing Addiction: Key Takeaways
32:28  - Global Trends in Addiction
33:22  - The Hidden Nature of Behavioral Addictions
35:21  - Coping with the Weight of Others' Distress

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Follow Dr Prem Kumar:
LinkedIn: https://my.linkedin.com/in/drpremkumarshanmugam

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