Substance Abuse, Relapse, and Treatment Program Evaluation in Malaysia: Perspective of Rehab Patients and Staff Using the Mixed Method Approach

Abstract

This study examined reasons for substance abuse and evaluated the effectiveness of substance treatment programs in Malaysia through interviews with rehab patients and staff. Substance rehab patients (aged 18–69 years; n = 30) and staff (ages 30–72 years; n = 10) participated in semi-structured interviews covering a range of topics, including family and peer relationships, substance use and treatment history, factors for substance use and relapse, motivation for entering treatment, work experience, job satisfaction, treatment evaluation, and patient satisfaction. Most patients did not demonstrate the substance progression trend and had normal family relationships. Most patients reported having peers from normal family backgrounds as well. Various environmental and personal factors was cited as contributing to substance abuse and relapse. There was no significant difference between patient and staff program evaluation scores although the mean score for patients was lower. A holistic treatment approach with a combination of cognitive–behavioral, medical, social, and spiritual components was favored by patients. Suggestions for improving existing programs include better tailoring treatment to individual needs, and providing more post-treatment group support.

The Road to Recovery and Role Modeling: The Journey of Persons Undergoing a Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program

“…Relapse happens because peers and stress as narrated by the key informants and also due to susceptibility. Relapse is common for drug users (Chie et al, 2016) and that peer pressure is the most common cause of relapse (Sau et al, 2013). Chie et al, (2016) added that lack of family support and lack of selfefficacy are other common causes of relapse.…”

“…Relapse is common for drug users (Chie et al, 2016) and that peer pressure is the most common cause of relapse (Sau et al, 2013). Chie et al, (2016) added that lack of family support and lack of selfefficacy are other common causes of relapse. During emotional relapse, individuals are not thinking about using and often recall their last relapse and they don't want to repeat it; however, emotions and behaviors would push them back.…”

Social Work Practice in Addiction Rehabilitation: Erenköy BAHAR Model

“…İlk üç aylık programı tamamlayanların oranının %41.9, 3-6 aylık programı tamamlayanların %30.1 ve 1 yıllık programı tamamlayanların oranının ise %10.6 olduğu görülmüştür (9). Malezya'da yapılan bir araştırmada ise tıbbi tedavi sonrası, rehabilitasyon ve psikososyal desteğin bütüncül bir şekilde tedavi sürecine yansıtılmasının, madde kullanımını engelleyici bir faktör olduğu bulunmuştur (10).…”

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Contingency Management Therapy in Enhancing Treatment Engagement in a Drug Rehabilitation Centre

“…However, low treatment motivation among rehab inmates and treatment compliance remain as major obstacles. An obvious contributor to this is the fact that most of substance users currently under rehabilitation in Malaysia are doing so under the court orders (Ting Chie, Lian Tam, Bonn, Minh Dang, & Khairuddin, 2016). Thus, even with somewhat improved treatment options, self-motivation to change remains an important challenge to tackle (Ting Chie et al, 2016).…”

“…An obvious contributor to this is the fact that most of substance users currently under rehabilitation in Malaysia are doing so under the court orders (Ting Chie, Lian Tam, Bonn, Minh Dang, & Khairuddin, 2016). Thus, even with somewhat improved treatment options, self-motivation to change remains an important challenge to tackle (Ting Chie et al, 2016). Based on that notion, this article is interested in exploring the efficacy of contingency management (CM) approach which is an evidence-based approach that has been recognized as one of best treatment approach in substance abuse treatment (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999).…”