Songkhla: Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHPF) collaborates with Mahidol University, Songkhla, to enhance the capabilities of rehabilitation providers, communities, and those who have completed rehabilitation in Songkhla. The initiative continues to care for drug users, promoting CBTx (Community-Based Treatment and Rehabilitation) to reintegrate individuals into their families and communities.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (THPF), in collaboration with the Institute for Research and Development of Learning (IRDL), organized a workshop to enhance the capacity of therapists, communities, and former rehabilitation recipients. The aim was to improve their knowledge and skills in providing continuous care for drug addicts in the community. Participants included therapists, community network partners, and former rehabilitation recipients from six pilot districts in Songkhla Province: Saba Yoi, Chana, Thepha, Na Thawi, Bang Klam, and Krasaesin, with the goal of developing a model for future expansion.
Associate Professor Dr. Wittaya Kulsomboon, a member of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and a member of the Executive Committee of Plan 1, stated that drug addiction is a complex problem involving physical and mental health, family, economic, and social aspects. Therefore, care should not end with treatment in medical facilities but must include a continuous care system when those who have completed treatment return to their families and communities. The community plays a crucial role in creating an environment conducive to rehabilitation, providing opportunities, and helping those who have completed treatment to live meaningful lives again.
"Community therapists are a vital force in providing counseling, follow-up care, monitoring risks, and connecting patients with appropriate services or support. Those who have undergone therapy, having firsthand experience, understand the feelings and limitations of those in the rehabilitation process. If their capabilities are appropriately developed, they can become supportive friends, share their experiences, and serve as role models, instilling hope in those beginning new lives."
This training is therefore not only aimed at increasing knowledge but also as a platform for exchanging experiences and practicing practical skills. These include effective communication, counseling, follow-up and support, prevention of relapse, and collaboration with families, health services, local government organizations, and relevant agencies to build a strong and continuous network for caring for drug users in the community.
Mr. Chucheep Thammaphet, Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province, stated that Songkhla Province comprises urban areas, economic zones, and border areas. Therefore, it is necessary to address the drug problem seriously and continuously, integrating prevention, suppression, treatment, and rehabilitation with all sectors, including the government, public health, local administrative organizations, and the public. Solving the drug problem cannot rely solely on suppression; those who need help must receive treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up care to enable them to reintegrate into their families, communities, and society in a meaningful way.
"Community-based treatment and care, or CBTx, helps ensure that patient care doesn't end in treatment facilities but can continue into families and communities, leading to a sustainable reduction in the likelihood of relapse."
Meanwhile, Mr. Adul Iae, the village headman of Moo 10, Lamphai Subdistrict, Thepha District, Songkhla Province, stated that the area prioritizes addressing the drug problem. After assuming his position, he held a village meeting with the Imam, the mosque committee, assistant village headmen, local administration officials, and the village security team to collaboratively resolve the issue and bring drug-addicted children into rehabilitation. Continuous screening and follow-up are conducted. Those exhibiting aggressive behavior or property damage are referred to hospitals for treatment.
The village joined the Community-Based Drug Treatment (CBTx) project under the district's policy, establishing a CBTx center at the sub-district level in Village No. 10, Lamphai Sub-district. This center provided treatment for children who voluntarily wanted to quit drugs. Currently, 28 children are participating, and the program lasts for 6 months. Local authorities, village health volunteers, sub-district health center staff, police, and military personnel are jointly overseeing the program.
Mr. Adul stated that the activities at the rehabilitation camp focus on building life and vocational skills, including exercise, vegetable gardening, fish farming, and raising ducks for meat and eggs. Participants are divided into small groups and are continuously monitored by public health officials from sub-district health centers and village health volunteers. The camp also creates alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free zones, based on the voluntary participation and openness of participants. After rehabilitation, participants will be returned to their families with seeds for vegetables, fish, and ducks to help them develop their own businesses, along with initial funding of 3,000 baht per person, derived from the income generated from the sale of produce they collaboratively cultivate. Continuous follow-up is provided, and if ready, assistance will be provided in finding employment, enabling participants to reintegrate into the community and become self-reliant.