Communication for Participatory Development of Community-Based Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Model: The Case of Sangkaew Lomrak Community

Abstract

       This study aimed to: (1) analyze the communication processes for creating participation in developing a community-based drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation model, (2) evaluate the implementation outcomes of the project, and (3) identify success factors in developing community-based drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation models through community participation. A qualitative research design was employed using in-depth interviews and non-participant observation. Key informants were divided into two main groups: (1) 34 project implementers comprising community leaders (10), neighborhood core leaders (6), drug prevention activity leaders (4), village health volunteers (6), professional nurses (3), and public health personnel (5); and (2) 65 drug users and addicts who participated in the program. Data analysis utilized content analysis, while project evaluation assessed positive behavioral changes among participants.
       The study revealed three key findings: (1) The communication process for creating participation in developing the treatment and rehabilitation model consisted of five main stages: communication to build shared awareness at the village level, communication to identify volunteer target areas, communication in community assemblies to create participation, communication to build community capacity, and communication in the treatment and rehabilitation process, empowerment, and continuous follow-up. (2) Project evaluation showed that among 65 participants, 46 individuals (70.76%) achieved continuous abstinence for 8 consecutive testing periods. (3) Key success factors included effective communication in creating participation among all network partners across sectors, reducing stigma toward drug users, and building strong social support networks. Participatory communication serves as a crucial mechanism in developing successful community-based drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation models. The findings demonstrate that systematic communication processes can significantly improve treatment outcomes and can be adapted for application in similar community contexts.