Should 12-18 year olds be forced to go to rehabilitation centers for drug addiction treatment?

(Dan Tri) - National Assembly delegates are concerned that the regulation requiring children aged 12-18 to be sent to reform schools could have negative impacts, and suggest applying it flexibly according to each specific case.

Discussing the draft Law on Drug Prevention and Control (amended) on the afternoon of November 25, many opinions focused on the mandatory rehabilitation period and the age of admission to reformatory facilities, in the context of high relapse rates and the complicated drug situation.

Increase the duration of drug addiction treatment to reduce relapse

According to the draft law, the compulsory drug rehabilitation period will be increased to 24 months for first-time drug addicts and 36 months for relapsed drug addicts. The Ministry of Public Security said this time frame is designed to ensure that drug addicts go through all stages of treatment, thereby improving treatment effectiveness and reducing the risk of relapse - an issue that many National Assembly deputies have repeatedly warned about.

In its report to the National Assembly , the Ministry of Public Security explained that the 2021 Law stipulates a "minimum - maximum" time frame, but in reality there is no professional basis to determine which level is appropriate.

"Currently, health agencies can only determine the status of "addiction" or "non-addiction", but not the level of addiction. Therefore, there is no basis to determine the appropriate time for drug rehabilitation according to each level, making it even more difficult to apply flexible time frames," said Minister Luong Tam Quang.

General Luong Tam Quang delivered a speech to receive and explain to the National Assembly on the afternoon of November 25 (Photo: Media QH).

Previously, at the meeting hall, delegate Pham Van Hoa (Dong Thap) expressed his agreement with increasing the time for drug rehabilitation but suggested that the law should be more flexible and not assume that all cases must stay for the maximum time. He gave examples of many drug addicts in rehabilitation schools who have made significant progress, in special circumstances such as women raising young children, minors or families facing difficulties.

"If they really make progress, we can consider letting them leave early. A rigid rule of 24 or 36 months would be unrealistic," he said.

Another issue raised by Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang is that today's addicts have switched to using synthetic drugs, many of which are mixed to cause highs, psychosis, and serious crimes. The Minister of Public Security said that this is a particularly dangerous group, very difficult to manage if the rehabilitation period is too short.

In addition to the treatment process, the big problem is finding a job after rehabilitation. Delegate Hoa pointed out that in reality, most people after rehabilitation find it very difficult to find a job, except in cases where they have support from relatives.

"Without a job, the relapse rate is always high. The government needs to research job creation policies so they have a foothold for reintegration," he said.

Delegate Pham Van Hoa (Dong Thap) (Photo: Media QH).

"Putting a 12-year-old in a reformatory could have negative effects"

One issue that has attracted much attention is the sending of people aged 12 to under 18 to rehabilitation facilities or reform schools. Some delegates commented that although the number of minors addicted to drugs has increased, there are not many in each locality, sending them to reform schools will cause difficulties in visiting them, and at the same time, they are susceptible to negative impacts.

Delegate Pham Van Hoa especially noted the development gap between 12-year-olds and 17-18-year-olds: "12-year-olds are like young sparrows. Being put in the same environment with children who are almost 18 years old, who have many experiences and complex behaviors, they are very easily influenced."

According to him, this measure should only be applied in cases of real necessity, otherwise priority should be given to families to coordinate education and keep children continuing to study culture in a familiar environment.

In response to delegates’ comments, the Ministry of Public Security reported to the National Assembly that there are currently 239 cases nationwide, aged 12 to under 18, undergoing compulsory drug rehabilitation at facilities. This number is not large, and the reform schools currently meet all the requirements for facilities and a suitable educational environment to ensure the rights of children, especially in cultural education.

However, the drafting agency proposed to make the amendment more flexible, such that children aged 12-18 can be sent to reform schools or public drug rehabilitation facilities, if they meet the conditions. Specific conditions will be guided by the Government or the Minister of Public Security.

Do not apply widespread electronic surveillance measures

Also at the meeting, the Ministry of Public Security introduced an electronic monitoring device for addicts and those recovering from drug addiction - a smart bracelet with integrated biosensors, GPS, artificial intelligence and multiple layers of protection. The device helps track location 24/7, warns of leaving the place of residence, detects unusual gatherings, and even recognizes signs of drug shock.

The drafting agency said that this measure should not be used widely, but only applied to appropriate groups of subjects, when there are regulations and permission from the National Assembly. This is an additional tool to improve management efficiency, reduce pressure on functional forces and contribute to limiting relapse.

The Ministry of Public Security introduced a bracelet to monitor drug addicts (Photo: Media QH).

The Ministry of Public Security affirmed that it will take into account the opinions of the National Assembly deputies to the maximum extent, revise the draft in a scientific, strict and feasible direction, while ensuring consistency with the legal system and international treaties. The ultimate goal, according to the Minister, is to build a drug-free society, minimize relapse and ensure security and safety for the community.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/thoi-su/co-nen-bat-buoc-tre-12-18-tuoi-vao-trai-giao-duong-de-cai-nghien-20251125195158730.htm