thai youth’s voluntary applications of drug treatment.

Abstract

The study employed qualitative and retrospective methods to investigate the young people who had willingly received the therapy from the Multidisciplinary Team at the Andaman Addiction Treatment Centers. In-depth interviews and observations were the main methods for data collection. The key informants consisted of persons from three categories: patients who were amphetamine addicts, therapists from the hospital including doctors, nurses, psychiatrists and psychiatrist social workers, and patients’ family and associates. Results of the study revealed that most young people decided by themselves to receive the therapy from the Centers due to their love and care for their parents, religion, and an awareness of the results of amphetamine use, and most importantly support from family members. Factors affecting their decision to enter the Addiction Centers included acceptance from their family and associates as well as being a part of society. Suggestions to improve the efficiency of the Addiction Centers were the good relationship between therapists who supervised them very closely and continuously when they returned home; patients’ self understanding; the process of modifying the patients’ behavior, attitudes and thinking; participation and cooperation among involved units; strict policy and enforcement of the law regarding amphetamine use among Thai youths.