The Development of a Family and Community-based Treatment and Rehabilitation Model for Substance Users

Abstract

Introduction Substance abuse has severe impacts on daily life and property of patients, families, and communities. Treatment and rehabilitation of drug users through a family and community-based approach is a key to promote and support family and community participation in addressing substance abuse. This approach centers on the patients, their families, and their communities, which enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of substance abuse resolution. 

Objectives 1) To describe nurses’ and health team’s perception regarding factors influencing the treatment and rehabilitation of substance users through a family and community-based approach, and 2) To develop a family and community-based treatment and rehabilitation model for substance users. 

Design This study employed Research and Development, conducted in four phases. This article presents phases 1 and 2. 

Methodology The development of a family and community-based treatment and rehabilitation model for substance users in phase 1 consisted of 2 steps: 1) Describing nurses’ and health team’s perception regarding factors influencing the treatment and rehabilitation of substance users through a family and community-based approach, 2) Evaluation of the existing treatment and rehabilitation model for substance users. Phase 2 included the development of a new treatment and rehabilitation model for substance users through family and community based within the network of Phetchabun Province, using Appreciation-Influence-Control process. Data were collected from January to April 2024, utilizing a questionnaire on perceptions of factors affecting the rehabilitation of substance users through a family and community-based approach, and a guideline for focus group. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics including percentage, mean, standard deviations, Min-Max, and median. Qualitative data used content analysis. 

Results The nurses and health team perceived factors affecting the treatment and rehabilitation of substance users within the community at a high-level including knowledge and skills, roles and responsibilities, structures, participation, and management. Evaluation of the traditional model (Community-Based Treatment and Care: CBTx) revealed opportunities for improvement including the database system, family and community participation, and clear coordination, leading to the development of a family and community-based rehabilitation model. The model included five parts: 1) Development of the capabilities of professional nurses and interdisciplinary teams in rehabilitating substance users in the community, 2) Peer support system, 3) Rehabilitation processes, 4) Family and community participation, and 5) Follow-up/empowerment visits. 

Recommendation Nurses and health team can implement the family and community-based treatment and rehabilitation model for substance users within a community. It is recommended that future studies examine the effectiveness of this newly developed Family and Community-based Treatment and Rehabilitation model for substance users.