A DEVELOPMENT OF TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION DRUG ADDICTION OPERATION MODELS SUPPORTS THE NARCOTICS CODE: A CASE STUDY OF PHANAT NIKHOM DISTRICT,CHONBURI PROVINCE.

Abstract

      This participatory action research aimed to develop an operational model for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug-dependent patients in alignment with the Narcotic Code B.E. 2564 (2021). The study applied the POLC management framework—Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling—using Phanat Nikhom District, Chon Buri Province as a case study. The sample consisted of 21 members of the District Quality of Life Development Committee (DQOLDC) and 50 community leaders from Tha Kham Subdistrict, selected through stratified random sampling. Research instruments included questionnaires and evaluation forms assessing the feasibility and appropriateness of the proposed model. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and median values.

     The findings revealed that during 2022–2023, the rate of drug-dependent individuals entering treatment in Phanat Nikhom District was only 1.17% and 0.50%, respectively. A significant number of patients exhibited psychiatric symptoms. Consequently, Tha Kham Subdistrict was selected as a pilot area, and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed with 50 community leaders to collaboratively address drug-related issues.

     The developed model, based on the POLC framework, demonstrated high levels of effectiveness across all components. Five prototype projects were implemented:

   (1) Screening and identifying drug users—2 users and 23 addicts were found, none with psychiatric symptoms.

   (2) Conducting the “Protective Community” campaign to raise public awareness.

   (3) Strengthening network partners—566 village health volunteers and caregivers were trained in urine testing.

   (4) Promoting vocational skills for 15 rehabilitated individuals, with follow-up via the BOST program.

    (5) Monitoring within three months post-rehabilitation showed that 93.99% tested negative for drugs, and 60% had stable employment and improved mental health based on the 2Q assessment.

       Expert evaluations indicated that all proposed strategies were highly feasible and appropriate, with median scores exceeding 3.5 (100%).

       It is recommended that this participatory model be expanded to all subdistricts within Phanat Nikhom to establish a localized best practice—“Protective Community”—that reflects the area’s context. This would reduce drug addiction rates, prevent relapse, and ensure continuity of care for patients with psychiatric conditions, enabling their reintegration into society.