Difficulties and coping strategies of male drug dependents undergoing rehabilitation.

The study aimed to identify and describe the difficulties and coping strategies experienced by male drug dependents presently undergoing drug rehabilitation for the first time. A qualitative descriptive research design and a multi-method approach, which comprises a personal interview and a focus group discussion, was conducted. The participants are composed of 20 male drug dependents from the Dangerous Drugs Board-European Union Treatment and Rehabilitation Center. Based from the results, most of the subjects voluntarily entered the rehabilitation center though they found it hard to admit that they need therapy because of pride and denial. Most believed that voluntary admission in the center would result to a more successful treatment. The difficulties of the participants include adjusting to the rehabilitation center, withdrawal symptoms and social isolation from family, friends, and community. They deal with these difficulties by employing defense-oriented responses. Their counselors, fellow residents and family play an important role in helping the subjects deal with their difficulties