The development of an addiction rehabilitation system adopting the modified Matrix program for drug addiction treatment in the Bueng Sam Phan healthcare network system, Phetchabun province

Abstract

This participatory action research aimed to analyze the problem situation, develop a substance use treatment and rehabilitation system appropriate to the local context, and evaluate its effectiveness. The sample was purposively and voluntarily selected, consisting of 23 personnel in the planning and reflection phases, and 88 individuals receiving treatment in the action and observation phases. Data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions, and record forms. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using percentages, means, standard deviations, and inferential statistics, including paired t-tests for personnel performance and chi-square tests. The development process comprised three phases: (1) situation analysis; (2) action (PAOR), involving participatory planning and implementation of a community-based treatment system; and (3) evaluation. The results showed that: (1) the community-participatory treatment model was implemented through committee appointment, capacity building of networks, training for relevant stakeholders, screening, treatment and rehabilitation, follow-up and evaluation, and knowledge-sharing forums to reflect treatment outcomes to the community and networks; (2) the abstinence rate increased significantly from 27.68% to 34.29% (p < 0.05), and retention in treatment and follow-up increased significantly (p < 0.05); and (3) the effectiveness of treatment personnel increased significantly (p < 0.05), and clients reported high satisfaction (𝑥̄ = 4.33, S.D. = 0.48). Recommendations include proactive follow-up to improve retention, coordination of vocational training to prevent relapse, and in-depth study of individuals who did not complete the treatment program.