Drug Rehabilitation and Educational Tourism Center

Malaysia continues to face rising rates of drug addiction, particularly among the Malay majority, despite substantial governmental efforts and funding aimed at eradicating the issue. Traditional rehabilitation approaches have demonstrated limited success, underscoring the need for innovative strategies. This paper explores the integration of drug rehabilitation centers with educational tourism packages as a novel approach to enhance addiction recovery programs. The proposed method leverages Malaysia’s rich natural landscapes and cultural heritage to offer recovering addicts new experiences, foster familial bonds, improve social skills, and boost self-esteem. A comprehensive analysis of existing rehabilitation practices and educational tourism models was conducted, involving a review of literature, government reports, and case studies. The study develops structured tourism packages in collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private tourism operators, tailored to the needs of recovering addicts. The findings indicate that integrating educational tourism into rehabilitation programs significantly enhances recovery by offering environmental changes that mitigate relapse triggers and improve psychological well-being. The involvement of family members further strengthens emotional support systems and addresses underlying relational issues.