LEV8 MALAYSIA Represents Malaysia at the Asia Pacific Chemsex Symposium in Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand – 7 November 2024 — LEV8 MALAYSIA is honoured to represent Malaysia as a sole presenter of an abstract (Beyond 66: A novel harm reduction intervention for chemsex and meth dependant men who have sex with men) at the Asia Pacific Chemsex Symposium 2024 in Bangkok. As Malaysia’s pioneering social enterprise in meth addiction harm reduction intervention, LEV8 MALAYSIA’s founder Benjamin Thain presented groundbreaking strategies that have proven successful in aiding methamphetamine addiction recovery, highlighting an impressive recovery rate of over 75% among program participants.
The Asia Pacific Chemsex Symposium, a key gathering of global experts, advocates, and healthcare professionals, aims to address the growing concerns around chemsex and substance abuse in the Asia Pacific region. This year, LEV8 MALAYSIA showcased its groundbreaking work and shared a detailed abstract of its winning strategies that have driven successful recovery outcomes for individuals battling chemsex and methamphetamine addiction.
Putting people first in Meth and Chemsex addiction recovery: LEV8 MALAYSIA’s Impact
At the symposium, LEV8 MALAYSIA shared an abstract outlining its multifaceted approach to harm reduction and abstinence, which has led to unprecedented success rates. Key strategies include:
Personalised Support Systems: Tailored recovery plans that combine harm reduction techniques with long-term abstinence goals, ensuring that each individual receives support that resonates with their unique experiences and deep dives into their root causes.
Community Engagement: Strengthening community ties and fostering a safe, supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to begin and maintain their journey toward recovery. And introducing an integrated safe space called Belonging by LEV8 - where recovery communities can empower individuals to pursue sustainable recovery.
Education and Awareness: Developing and disseminating education initiatives that help reduce the stigma of meth addiction and promote open conversations about recovery.
A Vision for Broader Impact Across Asia Pacific
LEV8 MALAYSIA’s presence at this symposium marks a significant milestone, not only for the organisation but also for Malaysia’s evolving stance on harm reduction and recovery concerning drug addiction. Through its comprehensive, non-judgmental, and supportive approach, LEV8 MALAYSIA has become a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with meth addiction across the nation. By sharing its successes and collaborating with other regional leaders, LEV8 MALAYSIA aims to inspire and influence policy, funding, and community support initiatives to address meth addiction across Asia more effectively.
“Being part of the Asia Pacific Symposium on Chemsex 2024 is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work of our team, our supporters, and, most importantly, the individuals (whom I called my Friends in Recovery) who have bravely embarked on their recovery journey,” said Benjamin Thain, founder of LEV8 MALAYSIA. “We are proud to represent Malaysia on this global stage and share our experiences and strategies that have led to real, measurable change.”
An Urgent Call to Address Meth Addiction in the Region
Meth addiction continues to be a significant challenge in Malaysia and across the Asia Pacific. LEV8 MALAYSIA’s focus on ‘meeting people where they are’ with harm reduction, abstinence and preventive methods acknowledges the reality of methamphetamine use, providing non-punitive pathways to recovery that prioritize the health, dignity, and well-being of individuals.
“Our commitment is to build an environment where those struggling with addiction can find the support, resources, and empathy needed to recover,” added Benjamin Thain. “Our strategy is about acknowledging where people are in their journey and meeting them with the right tools and guidance to encourage lasting change.”
About LEV8 MALAYSIA
Founded in 2020, LEV8 MALAYSIA is an HIV response initiative and a social enterprise committed to harm reduction intervention with its Beyond 66 Addiction Recovery program. Through a combination of innovative harm reduction techniques, abstinence support, and peer-led initiatives, LEV8 MALAYSIA is dedicated to reducing the impact of chemsex and meth addiction in Malaysia. The organisation’s programs have been instrumental in helping individuals regain control of their lives, rebuild relationships, and reintegrate into society as empowered and productive members.
For more information about LEV8 MALAYSIA and its participation in the Asia Pacific Chemsex Symposium 2024 or to learn more about their harm reduction initiatives, please contact:
Contact / Liaison
Benjamin Thain | Founder LEV8 MALAYSIA
Phone: +6019 276 0313
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: LEV8.MY
Instagram: LEV8.Malaysia
Youtube: LEV8 MY
