Methamphetamine Dependence Treatment Rehabilitation in Thailand: A Model Assessment
Usaneya Perngparn PhD*, Bhassorn Limanonda PhD**, Apinun Aramrattana MD, PhD***, Catherine Pilley PhD*, Chitlada Areesantichai PhD*, Surasak Taneepanichskul MD****
Affiliation : * Drug Dependence Research Center, College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand ** College of Population Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand *** Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand **** College of Public Health Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Objective : Assess the process and outcome of the treatment rehabilitation program in Thailand by comparing out-patients
and in-patients from drug dependent treatment centers (DDTCs) under Matrix and FAST Models.
Material and Method: In the DDTCs, male in-patient and out-patient volunteers aged 15-35 years were randomly selected
to assess demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, history of substance use, and other behavior related to their
health. Observations of the process of therapy and assessment of patients’ improvement were made. After completing the
rehabilitation, which lasted four months, trained field workers visited the patients at 1-, 3- and 6-month intervals. Analyses
of rehabilitation focused on cognitive and behavioral changes at one and three months. Regarding the follow-up outcomes,
comparison of Matrix and FAST Models relapse was analyzed by survival graph and Cox-regression of the days since
stopping illegal substance use.
Results : Ninety-two in-patients and forty-three out-patients were recruited. No significant difference was found in the
characteristics of the patients between the two models or in the treatment centers. After assessing patients at 1-, 3-, and
6-month, more improvement was noted among those in the FAST model than in the Matrix model.
Conclusion : This research confirmed improvement in attendees at the in-patient treatment model and the effectiveness of
rehabilitation.
Keywords : Methamphetamine dependent, Treatment rehabilitation, Assessment
