Experiences in Drug Rehabilitation: A Case Study of A Tertiary Hospital (Under BMA) in Bangkok

Abstract

This study investigates the drug rehabilitation experiences of patients and the factors that influence substance use among patients undergoing rehabilitation for drug addiction at a tertiary hospital in Bangkok under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Using qualitative and hermeneutic phenomenology, the research examines patient experiences through in-depth interviews with 10 participants, focusing on three main areas: (1) drug use history and patterns, (2) initial treatment experiences, and (3) treatment under the new Narcotics Code. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Findings reveal that all participants had experienced at least one form of treatment, including voluntary, compulsory, or correctional systems. Initial drug use was primarily influenced by two factors: (1) social and environmental influences, such as peer pressure and curiosity, and (2) family conflict and stress, which led to drug use as a coping mechanism. Participants’ early rehabilitation experiences under the previous legal system were often unsuccessful, with high rates of relapse due to three main challenges: (1) rigid treatment timelines, (2) negative social environments, and (3) unresolved mental health issues. Additionally, participants often felt coerced by strict treatment mandates, limiting their motivation to engage fully in rehabilitation. Under the new Narcotics Code, participants responded more positively, valuing the voluntary nature of rehabilitation that emphasized patient autonomy and provided greater access to treatment. This person-centered approach shifted focus from punitive measures to healthcare, treating drug users as patients rather than criminals.