Therapeutic community in ASEAN countries: Scope of practice and indicators of effectiveness

The treatment and rehabilitation of drug addiction using the therapeutic community modality has been in practice since the 60’s and the philosophy, approach and method has not change much since then.This in part, explains that it is effective in the rehabilitation of drug addiction.In ASEAN countries, therapeutic communities was introduced since the early 80’s, however there has not many studies done on its effectiveness or outcomes.Many ASEAN governments has endorsed and used TC as part of the treatment modality and worked side by side with NGOs operated by recovering drug users to treat and rehabilitate individuals addicted to drugs.This study looks at therapeutic communities in 5 selected ASEAN countries, and the objectives are to identify the scope of practice of ASEAN therapeutic communities in accordance to TC philosophy, standard, guidelines, structure and process.It also identifies value added elements practiced by these therapeutic communities, ascertain the common indicators used for measuring treatment effectiveness and to identify the effectiveness of these Therapeutic Communities in providing treatment and rehabilitation to drug users.This study is descriptive and evaluative in nature.It uses the Therapeutic Community Survey of Essential Elements Questionnaire (SEEQ), Daytop TC Questionnaire and perception questionnaires to access information concerning in the practice of TC.The study also includes site visit and interactive observations with treatment providers and residents of TCs to answer the objectives of the study.The study found that most of the TCs adhere to the philosophy, guidelines, structure and treatment process.Some differences were noted with reference to the experience of the TC and if they receive legally mandated residents as clients.All value added elements helped in the treatment process.However, not much effort has been undertaken by these TC to measure the effectiveness of their programs. Positive and value added elements were noted and will be shared with other TC and drug treatment facilities