EFFECT OF THE EMPOWERMENT ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ON AMPHETAMINE USE BEHAVIORS AMONG PATIENTS WITH AMPHETAMINE USE DISORDERS

Abstract

               Objective: To study the effect of the empowerment enhancement program on amphetamine use behaviors among patients with amphetamine use disorders (PAUD).

               Methods: This quasi-experimental the samples consisted of 24 PAUD in the inpatient department at    Suan Prung Psychiatric Hospital, Chiang Mai Province. The instruments consisted of 1) personal information questionnaires; 2) the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test - Amphetamine-type Stimulants (The ASSIST-ATS); 3) power awareness questionnaire and 4) the Empowerment Enhancement Program on Amphetamine Use Behaviors Among PAUD developed by the researcher based on 4 steps of Gibson's empowerment concept (Gibson, 1995). The program had 6 activities 1 step per week, 60 minutes per activity, and a total duration of 4 weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics mean, dependent t-test, and independent t-test.

               Results: 1) The mean score of amphetamine use behavior of the experimental group in the one-month period after receiving the program was lower than the empowerment enhancement program on amphetamine use behaviors among patients with amphetamine use disorders with statistical significance (p < .01). 2) The mean score of amphetamine use behavior of the experimental group in the one-month period after receiving the empowerment enhancement program was lower than that of the control group with statistical significance (p < .05).

               Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the empowerment enhancement program on amphetamine use behaviors can reduce amphetamine use behaviors. Therefore, this program should be used to empower PAUD and help them reduce amphetamine use behaviors.