Problems of Addiction Treatment: a Case Study of Public Hospitals

Abstract

This research aimed to explore problems of addiction treatment as well as obstacles and propose solutions to the problems. This research employed qualitative methodology. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews conducted with 10 key informants who worked in public hospitals and had at least two years of experience in addiction treatment.

          The result revealed four major problems of addiction treatment, namely: 1) shortage of personnel, 2) problems caused by addicts, e.g. relapse, incomplete or discontinued treatment, or lack of family support, 3) ineffective cooperation with other related departments or organizations and follow-ups, and 4) problems of budget. The solutions proposed by the key informants were: 1) workforce and job restructuring and the creation or improvement of communication channels or systems, 2) the promotion of community and family perceptions towards addicts as well as knowledge of how to take care of them, 3) the dissemination of drug knowledge among relevant departments, 4) the effective management of budget allocation according to the number of patients, and 5) the promotion of integration between departments in the Ministry of Public Health and other departments in operations and planning.