Personal and Environmental Factors Related to Amphetamine Addiction and Quitting in Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to investigate both personal and environmental factors related to amphetamine addiction and quitting of drug-using people in Leu-Amnat sub-district, Amnatchareon Province, Thailand.
Methods: Questionnaires were completed by one hundred and nineteen persons, in addition to them attending basic knowledge activities and a matrix program. Pre-tests, immediate post-tests, and 6 month post-tests were performed before and after the activities and program. Questionnaire responses and comparisons of scores of the tests were statistically analyzed.
Results: Overall, the results showed that coming from a small family was a statistically significant personal factor related to drug addiction and quitting. Numbers of houses, and family and income problems were environmental factors significantly related to drug addiction and quitting. Basic knowledge regarding drug addiction increased statistically at different periods of time. The study found that the best solutions for drug addiction were the establishment of communities and the provision of knowledge regarding the dangers of drug addiction for children. Strategies involving drug addiction prevention programs, medical treatment, mental therapy, and education focusing on family and school levels were considered necessary.
Conclusion: Some personal and environmental factors may be related to a person’s increased likelihood of exposure to drugs. These results may imply that the Thai government should reconsider those factors involved in drug addiction and quitting.