Abstract:

The involvement of drug addicts is increasing every year and this issue is getting serious attention from governments, private agencies, communities, families and individuals. AADK National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA) as the responsible body has implemented the Government’s rehabilitation approaches through treatments in Community Rehabilitation Program for Drugs Addict (CRPD) for the drug addicts. Various treatment techniques has been executed in CRPD include the enforcing National Service Training Programme involvement to help reducing drugs dependency among trainees. This study aimed to explore the trainees’ CRPD experiences on perceptions of community treatment and acceptance among former addicts. A case study design in the qualitative approach is used to conduct a focus group interviews within 8 trainees involved in CRPD. Participants were selected based on criteria set by CRPD. CRPD developed a protocol interview as a guideline for interviewers. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis method.

The results showed that:
(i) the former addicts reported satisfactory perception; and
(ii) supports from family and groups of former addicts can help addicts to remain drug-free.

Implications of this study were:
(i) improve the content of CRPD via self-monitoring programs;
(ii) provide training module to improve their self-resilience in preparation to face the community;
(iii) organizing awareness programs to educate the community regarding accepting the former addicts in the post-CRPD’s phase.

Follow-up studies should focus on developing interventions for former addicts in the community to improve their ability to stay drug-free.

Keywords:

Former Drug Addict, Community Rehabilitation Program for Drugs Addict (CRPD), perception of CRPD, community acceptance.