The Development of Integrated Treatment and Rehabilitation Model for Drug addicts Sisaket Province

Abstract

This study was a research and development (R&D) project aimed at developing an integrated model for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts in Sisaket Province, which was conducted between October 2024 and March 2025. The study was divided into two phases. Phase 1 involved examining the drug situation and synthesizing an integrated treatment and rehabilitation model for drug addicts in Sisaket Province. Nonprobability sampling with purposive selection was used to recruit 92 participants from the Sisaket Provincial Narcotics Control and Suppression Committee. Phase 2 focuses on model development through participatory action research consisting of four steps: (1) planning, (2) implementation, (3) monitoring, and (4) reflection. Nonprobability purposive sampling was employed to select drug patients receiving services at 22 hospitals under the Sisaket Provincial Public Health Office. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the dependent t-test, with the significance level set at < 0.05.

The results revealed that the findings indicated that the drug situation was severe, with impacts on both property and individuals, while personnel, budgets, and treatment facilities were insufficient. There was also a lack of continuity in follow-up, poor data linkage, and inadequate staff skills and knowledge. The developed model comprised three stages: (1) pre-treatment, involving proactive collaboration with community networks, establishing surveillance and care guidelines, and enhancing care and referral skills; (2) treatment, following the Patient Journey approach and establishing four “Mini Thanyarak” centers; and (3) follow-up, establishing nine community-based social rehabilitation centers with temporary stay facilities. A total of 1,066 patients participated in the program, of whom 80.02% completed treatment and 19.98% did not. Among them, 67.53% remained abstinent, while 32.47% relapsed. The mean quality of life score after three months of follow-up (𝒙̅ = 80.43, SD = 3.71) was significantly higher than at the end of treatment (𝒙̅ = 61.44, SD = 1.88) with statistical significance (t = 37.40, p < 0.001). Therefore, to achieve policy benefits, the findings should be used to promote concrete and sustainable collaboration among social networks in addressing drug addiction.