Praxis on War Against Drugs: An Assessment of Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation and Management Program, and Challenges

Abstract

The current research study focused on identifying the effectiveness of Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation and Management Program (CBDRMP) and challenges encountered among Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) who are enrolled under the CBDRMP. Also, this study investigates the lives of families of PWUDs who were affected by the latest Philippine Government strategy to combat the use of illegal drugs – The War Against Drugs. Further, the methodology of this study employs quantitative, descriptive and correlational research designs utilizing a pre-existing modified research instrument. The study covered 348 PWUDs with age range between 18 to 65 years old, and currently enrolled in CBDRMP between 2022 to 2023 among 31 Local Government Units in the Province of Negros Occidental. Respondents evaluated both the implementers of CBDRMP which include Criminology and Enforcement Personnel; Health and Wellness Personnel; and Social Service Personnel; and CBDRMP service areas which include Screening and Profiling; Psychoeducation and Counselling; and Community Reintegration. Meanwhile, a list of challenges encountered by PWUDs during CBDRMP were enumerated to examine areas for development of CBDRMP. Moreover, to further support the results, in-depth qualitative discussions were made among families of PWUDs who were affected by war against drugs. Lastly, both the CBDRMP implementers and service areas were evaluated as moderately effective, and a proposed strategic intervention plan was developed.