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A preliminary study on cocaine use in Malaysia
Mohd Khairul Abdul Aziz1, Neshalatha Govarthnapany2, Darshan Singh1
1Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia.
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse
|August 5, 2025
Summary
Cocaine use in Malaysia is primarily recreational among professionals, often in social settings. This study provides initial insights into usage patterns, motives, and supply chains, noting no immediate adverse health effects in the sample.
Area of Science:
- Drug use studies
- Public health research
- Socioeconomic impacts of drug use
Background:
- Malaysia is a transit point for cocaine trafficking.
- Wastewater analysis provides indirect evidence of cocaine use.
- Limited data exists on cocaine consumption patterns within Malaysia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the context, motives, and supply of cocaine use in Malaysia.
- To provide comprehensive evidence of cocaine use in a small user sample.
- To explore associated health effects and usage behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews with 16 self-reported cocaine users.
- Recruitment via key informants and virtual interviews.
- Informed consent obtained prior to virtual interviews.
Main Results:
- Cocaine is used as a recreational stimulant ('party drug') by professionals.
- Motives include enhanced alertness, social focus, alcohol tolerance, and euphoria.
- Users obtain cocaine privately through trusted contacts for home or small group use.
- Consumption was not associated with dependence, withdrawal, or adverse health effects in this sample.
Conclusions:
- Cocaine use in Malaysia appears recreational and socially driven among a specific demographic.
- Further research is crucial to understand trafficking routes and public health implications.
- Intervention strategies require a deeper understanding of usage contexts and health outcomes.
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