Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation and Care in Philippine Local Governments: Enablers, Barriers, and Outcomes

This research examined the enablers, barriers, and outcomes of community-based drug rehabilitation programs in Philippine local governments. A multicase study research design was used in collecting and analyzing narratives from 38 leaders, program implementers, and participants in five local government units that implemented community-based drug rehabilitation. Using the World Health Organization's Health Systems framework, the study elicited barriers and enablers in terms of leadership, financing and access to resources, information system, workforce, and service delivery. Beyond these, a unique theme that emerged was the salience of context and culture, specifically, the influence of poverty, community, and stigma. Despite these challenges, clients, providers, and leaders report positive outcomes including improved health and well-being, social/ financial protection for the clients, and access to services. The implications of findings on policy and practice are discussed. Impact and Implications The importance of collectively ensuring good health and well-being was emphasized in the 2015-2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Included in this goal is strengthening "the prevention and treatment of substance use including narcotic drug use..." Toward this, community-based drug rehabilitation represents a public health approach to the issue of drug use. This community-based approach shifts away from coercive strategies to curbing drug dependence (such as incarceration of mild- to low-risk users) by making treatment accessible as well as engaging the community in treatment and recovery. However, there is a dearth of studies on how it is being implemented particularly in low-resource countries. This study aimed to add to the literature by describing the enablers, barriers, and outcomes of community-based drug rehabilitation in the Philippines.