Effectiveness of Drug Camps in Treatment of Substance Abuse in Thailand

Various drug camps have been introduced in Thailand since the 2000s. This study explored the effects of drug camps in Thailand. Four provinces were selected to represent different region throughout Thailand. Assessments of 2679 drug users were carried out longitudinally, age ranging from 11 to 67 years old; assessments occurred before camp, after camps, and after a 1 year follow-up. Two hundred twenty-six camps organizers, community leaders, and lay people were selected as key informants. Twenty communities were observed prospectively and 400 lay people were studied. Self-administered questionnaires were utilized as well as interview guidelines and documents. It emerged that the effectiveness of drug camp was 51.3% (intention-to-treat), whilst poly drug use increased significantly from before camp and 3 months after camp (repeated ANOVA p < 0.001) particularly among users aged 15 years old and over. Drug camps could be considered as an alternative measure for drug users; however, negative impacts should be considered.