[Narcotic Nation] "Support, Not Blame—Families Must Learn About Addiction First"

Chapter 5. Drugs: A Problem We Must Solve Together

How to Respond When a Family Member or Friend Is Using Drugs
"Drugs Are a Disease—Persuade Them to See a Specialist"
24-Hour Helpline 1342, Support from Family and Community Is Crucial

While drug use is undoubtedly a crime, simply dismissing it as personal depravity makes it difficult to find solutions. Recognizing that addiction is a disease requiring professional treatment is the first step toward recovery. The role of those around the addict is also crucial. However, when family members or acquaintances discover that someone they know has used drugs, they often feel at a loss about how to respond. We spoke to various experts, including doctors active in drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation, to learn the appropriate steps "we" need to take.

Abolition of 'Mandatory Reporting'... Drugs Are a Disease, Seek Experts

The Asia Business Daily interviewed addiction treatment experts for their perspectives on the role of the community surrounding addicts. The experts included Junsu Kwon, Chair Professor of Psychiatry at Hanyang University (left), Younghoon Chun, Director of Incheon Chamsarang Hospital, and Daejin Kim, Head of the Regional Treatment and Protection Center for Narcotic Addicts at Wonkwang University Hospital. Image generated by ChatGPT

Junsu Kwon, Endowed Professor of Psychiatry at Hanyang University, defines drug addiction as a clear medical condition. He stated, "This is not simply a matter of weak will; it is a brain disorder that requires treatment. When those around an addict push them with comments like 'Why can't you quit?' or 'Get a grip,' it only makes them hide their problem further and resist seeking help."

He especially emphasized the importance of the attitude of those close to the addict. He said, "Adolescents, who have not yet developed impulse control, can quickly go from curiosity to addiction. Instead of criticism, calmly explain why you are concerned, and persuade them that this is an issue they cannot overcome by willpower alone and that they should seek professional help."

Younghun Cheon, Director of Incheon Chamsarang Hospital who is devoted to drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation, reassures those afraid of being reported to the authorities when seeking treatment: "The mandatory reporting requirement for medical professionals has been abolished, so you can seek help without worry." The reporting obligation for healthcare workers regarding drug users was abolished in 2000 following a revision of the law.

Director Cheon said, "At national designated drug treatment and protection medical institutions, which are supported by the government, you can receive free treatment as an outpatient for up to one year and as an inpatient for up to one month." He added, "If you are not severely intoxicated, you can get help by calling the 24-hour counseling hotline '1342' operated by the Korea Drug Prevention Movement Headquarters."

If you prefer face-to-face counseling, you can visit "Together Step Centers" (operated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Korea Drug Prevention Movement Headquarters) or "Addiction Integrated Management Support Centers" (operated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare), which are located throughout the country. Director Cheon also advised that if there is a high risk of self-harm or harm to others, inpatient treatment at one of the 10 regional medical institutions nationwide is necessary.

The Crucial Role of Family..."Parental Control Alone Can't Solve It"

If you are struggling with drug addiction, you can receive free outpatient treatment for one year and inpatient treatment for one month at designated national drug addiction treatment and protection medical institutions. You can also get help anytime by contacting the 24-hour counseling hotline "1342," operated by the Korea Association Against Drug Abuse. For in-person counseling, you can visit "Hamggehan Georeum Center" or "Integrated Addiction Management Support Center," which are located across the country. ChatGPT generated image

Experts unanimously agree that the family's role is decisive in the treatment process. Director Cheon said, "Family members must first learn about addiction. Just as a family member ignorant about diabetes might unknowingly offer the patient unhealthy foods, families who do not understand addiction can actually become a factor in relapse."

One misconception parents must avoid is believing that they can make their child quit drugs through their own efforts. Director Cheon said, "Parents must first abandon the illusion that their family's happiness depends solely on their child quitting drugs. The key to happiness must lie with the individual, so we educate parents not to burden an unstable addict with such responsibility."

Daejin Kim, Director of the Regional Treatment and Protection Center for Drug Addicts at Wonkwang University Hospital, also stressed the importance of understanding the nature of addiction. He explained, "Just as healthy individuals can overcome a viral infection more easily, those who have been psychologically vulnerable find it harder to escape addiction. In most cases, addicts do not seek hospital treatment on their own."

Director Kim further stated, "Simply telling someone to quit because drugs are 'bad' is not effective. Addictive substances like drugs gradually lose their effect, leaving only despair and robbing individuals of the meaning of life. We should help them find the courage to quit, and recommend that they visit designated regional medical institutions rather than just any hospital."

"Drugs Are a Tragic Deception... Seek True Happiness"

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At Incheon DARC (Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Center), drugs are warned to be not a source of pleasure, but a "hollow deception." A rehabilitation social worker at Incheon DARC noted, "While teenage curiosity can sometimes fuel growth, when it comes to drugs, it leads to an irretrievable abyss. Watching the recovery process, I have come to feel deeply that the pleasure drugs offer is nothing but a tragic illusion."

They also pointed out that succumbing to the pleasure of drugs is a sad substitute for those who have not discovered the true value of life. The social worker said, "Those who know true joy do not stake their lives on the stimulus of drugs. People who can enjoy the warmth shared with loved ones, the honest sweat shed while pursuing goals, and the pride gained from personal growth—those who understand 'true happiness'—never turn to drugs."

Closing the 'Drugged Nation' Series

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Thank you for reading the 20-part 'Drugged Nation' series documented by The Asia Business Daily's Special Reporting Team.

The drug problem is a challenge for all of us. What we encountered during reporting was a reality that goes beyond individual misconduct and becomes a tragedy that drags families, neighbors, and even society into despair. The confessions of mothers who lament, 'I wish I had hugged them just once more,' are a stern warning that our society can no longer turn a blind eye to this problem.

Reconnecting the broken links of life begins not with individual will, but with the strong support of the community. We hope this record marks not only the end of a tragedy but also the first step toward recovery. We ask for your continued attention and warm perspective, so that someone who has lost their way may once again return to 'us.'

Special Reporting Team | Jang Heejun, Oh Jieun, Park Hosu, Lee Jiye, Park Jaehyun

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.