Development of a community-centered operational model for treatment and rehabilitation of drug users. Case studies in the area subdistrict health promoting hospital in Lam Plai Mat District, Buriram Province.

Abstract

This participatory action research aimed to study the situation of drug addiction care, develop a community-centered model for drug rehabilitation, and To evaluate the effectiveness of developing a community-centered model for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug users: A case study in a Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital in Lamplaimat District, Buriram Province. The study involved 45 participants, including 10 voluntary drug users and 35 network partners. The research was conducted from April to September 2025. Research instruments included a drug user screening form,a stress assessment form, a quality of life questionnaire, a rehabilitation attendance record, and a follow-up form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

The results revealed that the developed community-based drug rehabilitation model consisted of four main steps: (1) case finding and screening, (2) rehabilitation and treatment, (3) occupational training, and (4) follow-up and support. Ninety percent of participants completed the rehabilitation program. The continuous abstinence rates at one, three, and six months were 80.00%, 66.66%, and 70.00%, respectively. The average stress score decreased from = 12.1, SD = 4.1 to  = 7.4, SD = 2.0, while the average quality of life score increased from = 96.13, SD = 11.31 to  = 106.0, SD = 7.72

The findings indicate that the community-centered rehabilitation model was effective in helping drug users reduce, abstain from, and eventually quit substance use. It also reduced stress levels and enhanced quality of life. Moreover, the model was consistent with the social and cultural context of the community, emphasizing religious principles, career development, and continuous follow-up. This approach contributed to the sustainable rehabilitation of drug users, enabling them to reintegrate into society as valuable and productive members.