Community-based Drug Recovery Support in the Phiippines: Implementing Katatagan Kontra droga sa Komunidad

This chapter documents the describes the process of developing a community-based drug rehabilitation (CBDR) program for moderate-risk clients. The katatagan Kontra Droga sa Komunidad program consists of 6 modules on recovery skills; 6 modules on life skills and 3 family modules. The program was pilot-tested in Quezon City and results revealed significant decrease in substance dependence symptoms and increase in adaptive coping and psychological wellbeing. It shares the enablers of CBDR including family support; social support; spritual support; community support. It also recounts barriers to CBDR including shame and stigma; limited understanding of drug use; fragmented approach to CBDR; lack of human resources; attitudes towards monitoring and evaluation; language issues; particpant attendance; safety and security; and compliance vs voluntary treatment. Given these; recommendations include taking a holistic approach; incorporating culture in designing interventions; and continuing support through aftercare; resources; coordination; capacity building; citizen engagement; need for interventions for the youth; prevention; policy and media and advocacy