Group of M’sian Researchers Created an Islamic App to Help Rehabilitate Drug Addicts

By Karissa Lund  •  20 Oct 2021 in News

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Many don’t know that when someone suffers from addiction, it would be impossible to simply use willpower to abstain from drugs or alcohol. Drug addiction changes a sufferer’s brain, creating compulsions to use. Over time, these changes can make it impossible to resist the impulse to take drugs.

The good news is that our understanding of addiction continues to evolve. By addressing physical and mental health, social wellness, and a strong support network, we can build a better framework for lasting sobriety and a full re-entry into society.

Recently, a group of researchers from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) has developed a smartphone application for interactive therapy programmes to help drug addicts called Virtual Inabah (V-Inabah).

According to Malay Mail, the project head Prof Dr Lua Pei Lin said that it is one of the first mobile applications in Malaysia to use psychiatric, spiritual and religious therapy methods to help the group quit drug addiction.

“The app provides notes, videos and exercises suitable for emotional, psychological and religious therapy for drug addicts.

“Treatment progress will also be monitored continuously through this application and based on the initial feedback of 73 participants, they are very satisfied with the therapy module provided in this V-Inabah application,” she said yesterday (19 Oct).

Dr Lua also explained that the app can be accessed anywhere and at any time and is suitable for those who are unable to undergo treatment physically, adding that the addict’s confidentiality is also better protected.

She added that the less unfortunate, women, professionals who are addicted to drugs and those who face transportation problems or are living far from rehab centres could try the community-friendly therapy methods.

V-Inabah is worth RM25,000 and was developed jointly with the university’s Islamic studies expert Assoc Prof Dr Abdul Manam Mohamad and informatics technology expert Prof Dr Mokhairi Makhtar as well as Pondok Remaja Inabah.

Pondok Remaja Inabah is a privately-owned drug rehabilitation and treatment centre that has been operating since 1989 and has gained recognition, following its outstanding success in helping its residents to be free from drugs.