The Effect of Developing a Community-Based Treatment for Drug Addicts Model in Nonthaburi Province

Abstract

        Drug abuse is a significant issue that impacts health, economy, and society, particularly in Nonthaburi province, where the prevalence of drug abuse is high. This participatory action research aims to develop a community-based drug rehabilitation model and examine the effectiveness of its implementation. The sample consisted of 40 drug users in the community of Mosque Village 10, Tha It Subdistrict, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province, as well as key stakeholders such as community leaders, health volunteers (AVs), and government agencies. The research instruments included questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Statistical analysis for quantitative data was performed using mean, standard deviation, and qualitative content analysis for descriptive data.
        The research findings indicated that the community-based drug rehabilitation model (CBTx) has a well-structured process, including the establishment of a committee, the formulation of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), the setting up of a CBTx center, and an operational process that includes patient screening, counseling and treatment, monitoring, and rehabilitation. Results showed that 27.50% of the participants successfully ceased drug use, and the relapse rate significantly decreased. Additionally, the community's involvement in the development of the model was high (𝒙̅ = 4.32, S.D. = 0.57), especially in the aspects of co-thinking, co-implementing, and co-benefiting. The success factors identified include committed community leaders who acted as key drivers of the project, alongside support from government agencies such as Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital (SHPH.), local administrative organizations (LBAs), and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), which provided guidance, resources, and capacity building for the community. Moreover, collaboration from families and the community was crucial in supporting the rehabilitation process for drug users.
Based on the findings, it is recommended that this community-based drug rehabilitation model be expanded to other areas facing similar drug problems, integrating collaboration from local communities, government agencies, and the private sector to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the solution.