Organized by the University Malaya Centre for Addiction Science Studies (UMCAS), the Asia Pacific Society for Alcohol and Addiction Research Conference 2019 took place this year at the Bangi Resort Hotel in Selangor, Malaysia, from November 27th to November 29th, once again attracting the most prominent experts in addiction research and treatment within the Asia Pacific region and beyond.
Solace Asia, being the first private addiction retreat established in Malaysia, respected in the field for its holistic and comprehensive recovery program, was represented by CEO & Clinical Director Dr. Prem Kumar Shanmugam.
With an extensive public speaking history as well as community work in battling addictions throughout Malaysia, Dr. Prem Kumar Shanmugam took the stage in front of the numerous local and international attendees to present on the excessive use of smartphones, the latest form of behavioral addiction similar to substance dependency, that is afflicting our societies leading to mental health problems,affected relationships as well as emotional and physical well-being issues.
Citing the work of his clinical team at Solace Asia, Dr.Prem Kumar Shanmugam explained how treatment admission related to smartphone and electronic devices have substantially increased at the center in recent years and how Solace treatment model using different clinical methods and practices has helped individuals afflicted by the excessive use of the device.
Among the other notable speakers partaking at the event was Dr. Simon Adamson, Deputy Director of the National Addiction Centre, University of Otago, New Zealand and Professor John B. Saunders of the University of Queensland, Australia.
Through the three days gathering, Solace Asia and Dr. Prem Kumar Shanmugam, being the points of reference for those seeking addiction treatment in Malaysia, have had once again the opportunity to form new addiction training and research collaborations, while continuing to share knowledge on the threats that substance and behavioral addictions pose to our societies.
