Lost Opportunities and Social Expectations through the Perspectives of the Persons Who Completed Drug Therapy and Rehabilitation and Their Family Members in Prathai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This research aimed to answer the question whether persons who had completed drug rehabilitation therapy and their family members living in Prathai District of Nakorn Ratchasima Province perceive the lost opportunity, and what social expectations they have for the future.  Data were collected from five men who had completed up to one year of treatment rehabilitation for drug addiction.  These key informants were referred by officers of the Bua Yai Probation Office.  All five men voluntarily consented to participate in the research. In addition, data were collected from five members of the family of the former drug addicts. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for the in-depth interviews with the key informants.  Data were processed by descriptive statistics.  This study had the following findings: (1) The former drug addicts and their family members had the view that being addicted to drugs and being caught caused personal loss and adversely affected many aspects of the family, such as the impact on gainful employment; (2) The five men who had completed drug treatment and rehabilitation and their family members have the expectation that they will have a better life and a stable job in the future. Society will not stigmatize them and will give them the opportunity to turn their life around and become a constructive member of society.