KUALA LUMPUR: A non-governmental organisation involved in the rehabilitation of addicts says it is increasingly concerned over online gambling and video game addictions among teenagers.
"This is a serious problem because it can lead teens down the path to drug use, as they may stay up for days either to win money or for enjoyment," said Rumah Pengasih Amanjaya director Badrul Hisham Ahamad.
He said the centre has helped many people overcome gambling and video game addictions, including addicts as young as 15 years old.
The prospect of "easy money" was a strong lure for youth, he said.
He said there are new addicts every year that seek treatment at the centre, with rehabilitation taking between seven and eight months.
"However, there are some that could not be rehabilitated and suffer from mental problems because of their addiction," he told Kosmo!.
Badrul urged parents to monitor their children's activities, saying that children and teenagers who stay at home are not free from the risk of addiction