AN APPLICATION OF BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES TO DRUG ADDICT'S REHABILITATION OF WAT THOM KRABOK

Abstract

The aims of this research were: 1) to study the problematic conditions and operation of drug addicts’ rehabilitation of Wat Thom Krabok; 2) to study the Buddhist methods for drug addicts’ rehabilitation; 3) to analyze the application of Buddhist principles to drug Addicts’ rehabilitation of Wat Thom Krabok. This qualitative research was conducted through the documentary research by studying documents, academic works, texts, thesis and research together with fieldwork with the sample interview. The data obtained were interpreted by the descriptive analysis. The research results were as follows:

            Based on the study the problematic conditions and operation of drug addicts’ rehabilitation of Wat Thom Krabok, most social problems are problems that arise from wanting to experiment the drug or friend's persuasion or the fault of the person himself. The treatments of drug users in the sanatorium are the therapies for rehabilitation of the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of the patient. The rehabilitation therapy can use the main concept of family therapy by using the warmth of the family as the base of therapy.

            The temple has adopted the principle of Dharma as a guideline for both mental and physical therapies. For the mental therapy, there is a training to strengthen the mind, to be able to fight off feelings of evil. For the physical therapy, it is started by observing precepts, refining behaviors to develop oneself to have a good life, to adjust and prepare the life conditions for entering society later.

            The temple applies the principles of Brahmavihara(brahmavihāra, the sublime states of the mind) to drug Addicts’ rehabilitation by emphasizing on the mental development to cultivate the social behaviors to create the immunity by building the atmosphere of love, warmth in the family. The community members do the activities together to keep the children away from the drug, to develop their personality and mental health. All members of the community have their duties in taking care of this matter. This is an important factor to develop the country by applying the dhamma principles as the essence of living. Importantly, the parents must teach their children to have a good friend.