2021 Research Bulletin on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control

1

Highlights of the 2021 Research Forum Series on Drug Abuse 3
Prevention and Control 6
9
Examining Family Dynamics in Addiction: Inputs for Treatment 12
Intervention in the Philippine Setting
17
Winona A. Pandan, Edna Luz Abulon (2017)
20
Role of Filipino Occupational Therapists in Substance Addiction and
Rehabilitation - A Q Methodology 23
26
Michael P. Sy, Nobuo Ohshima & Ma. Patricia Nicole R. Roraldo (2018) 34
38
Uncovering the Lived Experiences of Filipino Drug Recoverees
towards Occupational Participation and Justice through an
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Michael P. Sy, Rod Charlie Delos Reyes, Ma. Patricia Nicole R. Roraldo & Nobuo
Ohshima (2019)

Preliminary Program Evaluation of a Church-initiated Drug Reformist
Formation Center: The Volunteer-Facilitators' Perspective

Gino A. Cabrera, Alain Bernard A. Andal, Argel B. Masanda, Clarissa F.
Delariarte, Gil Jeff S. Tanganco, and Alyana Fae R. Balbuena (2018)

Preliminary Program Evaluation of a Church-Initiated Drug Reformist
Formation Center: The Drug Reformists' Perspectives

Argel B. Masanda, Gino A. Cabrera, Alain Bernard A. Andal, Clarissa F. Delariarte, Gil
Jeff S. Tanganco, and Alyana Fae R. Balbuena (2018)

Contextualizing Drug Addiction in the Philippines from Psychological
Needs Perspective: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Argel B. Masanda, Maria Theresa Oba-Del Rosario (2018)

Effects of COVID-19 to Patients and Delivery of Services of Selected
DATRCs: An Exploratory Study

Dangerous Drugs Board (2020)

Designing a Positive Psychological Intervention Program for Persons
who Use Drugs

Argel B. Masanda, Maria Theresa Oba-Del Rosario (2018)

About the DDB Research Bulletin

2

Research is an integral part of the anti-drug campaign as it enables the Board to
draft policies and regulations that are timely and effective. As the lead policymaking
and strategy formulating body on drug prevention and control, the Dangerous Drugs
Board conducted the 2021 Research Forum on Drug Prevention and Control. It
provided an avenue for cooperative research and exchange of scientific information
of researchers in the field of drug prevention and control.

The research forum highlighted the existing studies of the Dangerous Drugs Board,
including the findings of the ‘2019 National Household Survey on the Patterns and
Trends of Drug Abuse in the Philippines’. It also included network-building activities
and a series of research symposiums undertaken by the Dangerous Drugs Board
and other related research on drug prevention and control from different sectors and
institutions.

In compliance with the health protocols during the pandemic, the series of research
symposiums and featured sectoral information sessions per month utilized the online
platforms.

7284 SECTORS

PARTICIPANTS ENGAGED:

12,045 • Local Government Units
• Youth Sector
VIEWERS • Drug Abuse Treatment and

16 Rehabilitation Centers
• Health Sector
RESEARCH • Law Enforcement Sector
RECEIVED • Education Sector
• Higher Education Institutions

9

RESEARCH
PRESENTED

3

Activity Date Participants
Launching of the 2021 Online 12 February 1482 participants with 4700 views
Research Forum Series on Drug 2021 composed of representatives from
Abuse Prevention and Control national government agencies, local
24 February government officials, barangay anti-
Featured Research for February: 2021 drug abuse councils
Examining the Family Dynamics 324 participants with 1300 views
in Addiction: Inputs for the 12 March 2021 composed of representatives from
Treatment and Intervention in the 26 March 2021 national government agencies, local
Philippine Setting government officials, barangay anti-
Featured Research for March: 16 April 2021 drug abuse councils
Drug Smuggling in the Philippines 54 participants composed of law
(An Exploratory Study 30 April 2021 enforcement personnel, local
2019 National Household Survey government officials
on the Patterns and Trends of 14 May 2021 139 participants composed of law
Drug Abuse Information Session enforcement personnel, local
for the Law Enforcement Sector 28 May 2021 government officials,
representatives from government
April Featured Research 11 June 2021 agencies
Presentation: Translating 299 participants composed of
Research into Practice – The DATRC personnel, health workers,
Untapped Role of Drug students, barangay anti-drug abuse
Rehabilitation Workers councils
2019 National Household Survey
on the Patterns and Trends of 142 participants composed of
Drug Abuse for the Drug Abuse DATRC personnel, health workers,
Treatment and Rehabilitation barangay anti-drug abuse councils,
Centers representatives from national
May Featured Research: Lived government agencies
Experiences of Selected Filipinos 203 participants composed of health
Recovering from Drug Abuse (a workers, DATRCs personnel,
Phenomenological Study) barangay anti-drug abuse councils,
representatives from national
2019 National Household Survey government agencies
on the Patterns and Trends of 299 participants composed of
Drug Abuse for the Education students, professors
Sector
June Featured Research: 96 participants with 645 views
Preliminary Program Evaluation
of a Church-Initiated Drug
Reformist Center (Volunteer-
Facilitators’ Perspective)

4

Activity Date Participants
July Featured Research: 16 July 2021 775 participants
Preliminary Program Evaluation
of a Church-Initiated Drug 30 July 2021 257 participants with nine hundred
Reformist Formation Center viewers
(Drug Reformists’ Perspective) 24 August 257 participants with nine hundred
2019 National Household Survey 2021 viewers
on the Patterns and Trends of
Drug Abuse for the Health Sector 24 August 257 participants with nine hundred
August Featured Research: 2021 viewers
Contextualizing Drug Addiction in 20 September 900 participants
the Philippines from 2021 600 participants
Psychological Needs Perspective 24 September
(An Interpretative 2021 600 participants
Phenomenological Analysis
2019 National Household Survey 27 September 600 participants
on the Patterns and Trends of 2021
Drug Abuse for the Youth Sector
30 September
2020 Public Perception of Crime 2021
and Community Safety
Effects of COVID-19 to the
Patients and Delivery of Services
of Selected Drug Abuse
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Centers: An Exploratory Study
Designing a Positive Psychology
Intervention Program for Persons
who use drugs (PWUDs)
Undertaking Treatment and
Rehabilitation
2019 National Household Survey
on the Patterns and Trends of
Drug Abuse Information Session
and Research Forum culminating
activities

5

BACKGROUND The PWUDs and their families had
relationship and communication
Substance abuse is a social problem patterns that can be described as both
that pervades many societies positive and negative. Positive patterns
worldwide. Although a lot of research focused on openness and problem
has been done on this topic, little is receptivity. While negative patterns
known about the family dynamics of the focused on upholding the family's
persons who use drugs (PWUDs), reputation and denying the presence of
which could provide vital inputs to the a drug problem; parents as enablers;
intervention programs conducted in fault-finding; removal of support groups;
treatment centers in the Philippines. denial and avoidance of significant
This research described and analyzed other; and restrained relationships.
the family dynamics in addiction
through a qualitative research Coping patterns revolved around those
approach. Ten (10) male PWUDS that enhance productive behaviors and
persons who use drugs confined in a change and those that do not. Positive
rehabilitation center and two of their and healthier coping patterns include
family members were respondents of taking an active role in solving the
the study. In-depth interviews problem; engineering their social
generated rich narratives, which were environment; enriching their spirituality;
later subjected to content analysis. being provided with more support by
family members; being aware of the
FINDINGS existence of the problem and doing
something about it; asking for
The study revealed that the PWUDs forgiveness; and being provided with a
were mostly the middle child in their second chance.
families and had good relationships However, counterproductive coping
with their parents. Most of them are styles include keeping the family secret,
already “fathers”. Upon being addicted selecting problems that should be
to drugs, they were perceived solved; hurting oneself or others; and
negatively by their family members, and withdrawing from the problem. The
it was their siblings and spouses who importance of family involvement in the
took the courage to report them and treatment process is highlighted in the
send them for treatment in a study.
rehabilitation facility.

6

CONCLUSION Third, the support coming from family

Although it may be second nature for members is an effective antidote to
Filipino families to initially try and
employ leniency and permissiveness in drug abuse. When the family
response to a family member's drug-
taking, one must realize that this is communicates their support,
never the best strategy since early
intervention is always the key to a forgiveness, and the opportunity to
speedy and successful recovery from
any form of addiction. For all ten change to the drug users, veering away
families interviewed, the belief that
mollycoddling the PWUD member from the vice becomes concrete. The
would make him change his ways
merely served to protract the drug- choice to face the difficulties and do
taker's exposure to the illegal
substance, thus pushing him further something about it is not the sole
into the pit of addiction. In cases such
as having a PWUD family member, decision of the drug user but a
proactive measures are always best.
collective effort emanating from his
While it may be against a mother's
nature, a PWUD’s mother should avoid significant others.
being an enabler of her son's drug-
taking behaviors. As could be seen in Lastly, the problem of drug addiction
the interviews, the mothers' lack of affects not only the drug-taker and
willpower to commit their sons to a his/her parents but the other children in
rehabilitation facility and their the family as well. As such, they need
overindulgence and provisioning their to also have a voice in the situation.
sons with the means to acquire drugs Based on the interviews, a sibling
only served to strengthen their sons' (usually older than the PWUD) served
addiction. One might say that mothers as the linchpin. He/she was the crucial
confronted with the same sorry decision-maker who convinced the rest
predicament ought to utilize "tough of the family regarding the wisdom of
love", which will lead their drug- confining the substance abuser to a
dependent children towards a faster rehabilitation facility.
recovery.
This highlights the need to enlist the
help of family members in confronting
the problem and for all to be united and
supportive of each other during such a
difficult time. Strong commitment from
the immediate family members shall
thereby be given emphasis in the
treatment process to facilitate recovery.

7

RECOMMENDATIONS

The impact of addiction in the family dynamics shall be simultaneously addressed by
the treatment and rehabilitation centers in the Philippines. Addressing these calls for
a thorough assessment of the client’s familial background. Particular attention should
be given to the probability of permissiveness in the family regarding drug-taking
activities, as well as the mother's or any family member’s enabling character. Such
initial information about the family of the client could be used as a basis for updating
the facility’s intervention programs regardless of their treatment approach. Conduct of
regular family counselling is imperative in determining the level of social support they
are willing to provide to the client, to enhance channels of communication among the
members and to slowly realize each member’s contribution in the recovery of the client
leading to better coping with the stigma of addiction in the family.
Alongside the family counselling, special sessions on psychoeducation for the families
should be undertaken to foster a deeper understanding of the nature of drug addiction
and its exacerbating effects to the individual, to the family and to society.

8

BACKGROUND FINDINGS

More than the shortage of manpower, Using Q-Methodology (QM), this
occupational therapists (OTs) in
substance addiction and rehabilitation research revealed a tripartite role for
(SAR) practice have remained Filipino OTs in SAR: (a) “Promoter of
underused and misunderstood in the occupational participation,” (b)
Philippines. This study aimed to identify “Collaborator to enhance participation
the role of Filipino OTs in people with and wellbeing,” and (c) “Facilitator of
substance use disorders (SUD) based
on the perspectives of OTs, mental environmental supports for
health professionals, and former
service users in the community. occupational participation.”

The study employed a qualitative Drug use both has positive and
approach guided by the conceptual negative effects. Still, the latter is
underpinnings of the Participatory usually why they are sent to jail or to a
Occupational Justice Framework POJF treatment and rehabilitation center
2010, which encourage the (TRC).
investigation of social indicators and
contextual forces causing occupational The negative effect is primarily on
injustice (Whiteford & Townsend 2011). difficulties in social participation (aside
from overworking, lack of education,
and discrimination) which is recognized
as an injustice.

The Occupational Justice Health There is a need to emphasize
implementing occupation-based social
Questionnaire (OJHQ) (Wilcock & participation interventions (Wasmuth et
al. 2014) targeting occupational justice
Townsend 2014) was used to collect outcomes through collaborative
partnerships: (Re)establishing social
pertinent data, consequently and communication skills, prioritizing
routines and roles (including family,
addressing the research aim. community, and work roles), and
collaborating with social workers and
Interpretative Phenomenological vocational teachers for gender
sensitivity education and work coaching.
Analysis (IPA) (Smith, Flowers, Larkin
Life inside the TRC is a “second chance”
2009) offered a six-step guideline that but has a restricted system that
underpins injustices, i.e., hunger,
allowed in-depth exploration and the boredom, limited choices, etc.

extraction of meanings from the 9

participants' experiences. ATLAS.ti

seven software was used for the coding

process.

Occupational services should also The OT profession is fundamentally
recognize concrete obstacles within the purposed to address injustices to
environment and social conditions (i.e., facilitate occupational participation and
poverty) that hamper (occupational) justice (Kronenberg & Pollard 2005).
participation and justice (Godoy-Vieira Political Activities of Daily Living (PADL)
et al., 2018). can be utilized to enact this purpose
alongside using occupation justice and
To recognize these concrete obstacles, participation-focused evaluation tools
a participatory approach is encouraged to support program implementation, i.e.,
to discuss them with clients, OJHQ:
professionals, and other stakeholders
to jointly form solutions, especially for Tracking narrative progress,
living post-rehabilitation (Whiteford &
Townsend 2011). documenting challenges-solutions and

While facilitating spiritual approaches positive-negative experiences
was perceived to be outside the scope
of OT in SAR (Sy et al. 2018), OTs use (Whiteford & Townsend 2011) of drug
spirituality in restoring a sense of
wellbeing and as a coping strategy users.
(Jones et al. 2016), hence seeing
spiritual activities as “coping These collated data can then be
occupations”. translated into culturally appropriate
media, e.g., films, plays, posters,
With very few OTs working in SAR, OTs television features, etc.
can refocus their energies by partnering
with faith-based groups to instigate CONCLUSION
fund-raising activities to gather
resources for post-rehabilitation care The findings of this study serve as an
(e.g., Benefit concerts, fun runs, plays, initial step in asserting OT’s contribution
pageants, mangrove, and tree planting).
to the SAR practice in the Philippines.

The tripartite role perspectives of

Filipino OTs in SAR practice are

promoters of occupational participation,

collaborators to enhance participation

and wellbeing, and facilitators of

environmental supports for

occupational participation.

10

However, these identified role Furthermore, this study shows that QM
perspectives are divergent to the OT is not limited to program evaluation to
role as perceived by health authorities improve OT services but also in
in the country, which may explain to conducting attitudinal, perceptual, and
some extent why Filipino OTs cannot mixed-method research. In the future,
secure jobs, develop practice, and the identified tripartite role of Filipino
create research in SAR practice. As an OTs in SAR may be translated into
important human resource in mental research, continuing education
health, OTs can only be maximized modules, occupation-centered SAR
when their contribution to SAR is programs, and a springboard for role-
perceived by all stakeholders. emerging practices.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Filipinos recovering from drug addiction live with injustices that should be addressed
so they can experience a life where occupations can be chosen and enjoyed during
and after rehabilitation.

Understanding the participants’ lived experiences raised the consciousness of the
injustices that exist, uncovering pointers for service delivery in SAR practice:

• Use of occupation-based social participation interventions.
• Limitation of occupational therapy services is an opportunity for partnerships

and collaboration.
• A participatory approach is essential in discussing injustices and forming

solutions.
• Deliberate use of political activities of daily living.

11

BACKGROUND Occupational justice happens when
the society has diverse and equal
The drug-using crisis involves opportunities for people to engage
participation and justice issues, making in meaningful activities.
it a pressing health and social concern _________________
in the Philippines today. This study
looked into the lived experiences of FINDINGS
Filipinos recovering from drug addiction.
Four themes emerged from the data
It aims to understand the factors related analysis: 1) Living with drugs, 2) Living
to occupational justice or injustice that around rules, 3) Living for the future,
contribute to substance addiction in the and 4) Living amidst the war on drugs.
Philippines. By looking at these factors, These themes are shown as “periods”
the study suggests how to improve in the continuum of participation among
substance use rehabilitation (SAR) Filipinos recovering from Drug
programs. Addiction (Figure 1). These periods of
participation are marked by participants’
The study used a qualitative approach experiences in their daily lives before
and during rehabilitation.
by interviewing twenty-four participants The study examined occupational
justice by looking into these periods and
from two government treatment and factors that help or prevent them from
engaging in meaningful activities. This,
rehabilitation centers in Bataan and in turn, gives a better understanding of
how occupation justice relates to their
Manila. The data gathering happened substance addiction.

in 2018 and were later analyzed using

interpretative phenomenological

analysis.

Living with Drugs Living for the Future

1 2 3 4 Discharge

Living around Rules Living amidst the War
on Drugs

Figure 1. Continuum of Participation among Filipinos Recovering from Drug Addiction

12

From these periods, the study On the other hand,
uncovered “sub-themes” that describe occupational injustice limits the
common experiences among power and choice of people to
participants. These “sub-themes” show engage in meaningful activities.
how the interaction of substance
addiction, recovery, and occupational ______________
justice vary based on situations and
contexts Theme 2: Living Around Rules

Theme 1: Living with Drugs Rules to establish routines.
Participants expressed that the rules
Drug-using harmed the participation inside TRCs form their daily routines.
in meaningful activities. The negative While routines exposed participants to
side effects of drugs prevented self- new things like craft, art, and chores,
care activities like sleeping and eating. some said they were restricted and
It also led to social isolation in the “robotic.” Others expressed that these
school, social gatherings, church, even gave them peace, order, and the
among peers. opportunity to prepare for the real world.

Drugs contributed to participation. In Rules to form roles. Inside TRCs,
some cases, drug use was the coping following rules leads to rewards.
mechanism that helped people forget Participants who followed the rules
their problems and be productive in were given ranks within the center.
other aspects of life. Drugs were also Likewise, those who have skills like
used by overworked participants to repairing, first-aid, haircutting, and
meet their company expectations. In computer were given food, privileges,
some situations, drug-using is the way and promotion for their contributions.
participants find companions.
Rules that restrict. The rules of TRCs
Drugs led to more occupational were seen as restrictive. They limited
injustice. Stories of participants the opportunities available to
showed that using drugs worsened participants and fueled occupation
experienced injustices. The history of injustice. These restrictions include a
drug-using heightens discrimination in limit on food portions and water usage,
work, gender, and society in general. few courses for vocational training, and
a lack of privacy among participants.

13

Theme 3: Living for the future Theme 4: Living amidst the war on
The third period, “living for the future”, drugs
is when participants experience feeling
better, a more stable inner self, and a The last period of participation
sense of hope for the future. For the consisted of stories reflecting the
participants, their positive experiences participants’ personal views on the war
inside the TRCs, like skills training and on drugs. Their views on the topic are
Spiritual Enhancement Program (SEP), clearly divided into those pro or anti.
made them feel “lighter” with a “clearer
mind and stronger body”. Some participants were against the war
on drugs as they see it as a brutal
The SEP encouraged them to be more approach. A participant mentioned that
engaged in activities, accept their the government should “practice what
problem, live a healthier life, learn how they preach” by showing good deeds
to interact with others, and regain and goodwill.
peace of mind.
Approval of the war on drugs was also
On the other hand, few participants present in some participants. They see
have pessimistic views. Some that the situation now “has become
expressed their hopelessness for better,” and the campaign led to
change. Others feel that life after voluntary admission to TRCs. However,
rehabilitation will be uncertain, and their even with approval, participants
dreams are now impossible to achieve. generally disagree with extrajudicial
killings.
Despite gaining a second chance,
participants will face again the The polarized views on the war on
realities of life. They will likely drugs demotivated some participants to
encounter social stigma, personal experience life outside of TRCs. This is
insecurities, corruption, because of fears of being a victim again
discrimination, and other of power and corruption. They
uncertainties. remembered their traumatic
______________ experiences in light of the campaign like
physical abuse, apathy, entrapment,
extortion, and absence of due process.
They note that these are especially true
for poor and disadvantaged people.

14

CONCLUSION RECOMMENDATIONS

The research aimed to offer insights Looking at substance abuse
into the lived experiences of Filipinos rehabilitation through the lens of
recovering from drug addiction. It used occupational therapy practice provides
the lenses of occupational participation new insights to improve occupation
and occupational justice to understand justice and participation. By identifying
their experiences before and during the injustices experienced by
rehabilitation. participants, the study can recommend
the following:
Looking at participants' lived
experiences suggests that their Emphasize the use of social
occupational participation from outside participation interventions through
and inside the TRCs follow a partnerships with social workers
chronological pattern of “periods of and vocational teachers. These
participation”: living with drugs, living interventions should focus on social
around rules, living for the future, and and communications skills, prioritizing
living amidst the war on drugs. routines and roles (including family,
community, and work roles), gender
Analysis of these periods revealed that sensitivity education, and work
occupational injustices are experienced coaching.
by participants before and during
rehabilitation. These injustices can then Recognize concrete obstacles to
serve as pointers to improve participation within the environment
rehabilitation programs towards and social conditions. Clients,
promoting occupational participation. professionals, and stakeholders must
join to form solutions, especially to
The main purpose of the obstacles faced after rehabilitation.
occupational therapy profession is
to address injustices and enable For occupational therapists to
occupational participation and refocus their energies by partnering
justice. with faith-based groups. Partnerships
______________ can be used for fund-raising activities to
generate resources for post-
rehabilitation care and support of
occupational therapy in promoting
occupational participation and justice in
the SAR setting.

15

Using occupational justice and
participation-focused evaluation
tools (i.e., OJHQ) to support program
implementation. Using tools like
OHJQ as a guide will help track
narrative progress, documenting
challenges-solutions, and positive-
negative experiences. This information,
in turn, can be used to create
infographics, films, plays, posters, etc.
Products like these can inspire
advocacy to implement programs and
mechanisms to address injustices in
politics and the community.

16

BACKGROUND Bahay Pagbabago ni Apung Pilar,
located at San Simon, Pampanga. After
The parish of San Simon, Pampanga the survey results had been processed,
initiated Bahay Pagbabago ni Apung six of them were invited for FGD. The
Pilar for drug reformists in the mean age of the respondents is 47
municipality and nearby areas. The years old. The youngest is 25, and the
formation center’s program aims to eldest is 65. Half of the respondents are
cater the former drug users to retired professionals, which includes
rediscover human dignity and become teachers, principals, and a nurse.
productive and value-oriented
individuals through the collaborative The data analysis also involved two
efforts of the facility’s volunteers as phases. For the quantitative analysis,
inspired by the Church’s teachings. The the study used descriptive statistics to
program offers an attempt to reform the measure the volunteer-facilitators’
former drug users through engaging perception of the reformists’ attitude
mainly in spiritual activities designed to towards the activities and the perceived
cater holistic transformation, with other improvement of the reformists. The
activities such as livelihood skills study acquired descriptive indices
development and sports activities. through mean and standard deviation
to describe the responses of the
As part of a preliminary program participants. Because of the relatively
evaluation, this study was framed very low sample size (N=10), inferential
through a mixed-method – sequential statistics were not performed.
explanatory approach which centered
on the implementation of the program Thematic analysis was used in the
that includes spiritual, livelihood, and qualitative data as a general mode of
sports activities. Using this method, the analysis. It emphasizes pinpointing,
quantitative data was first collected examining, and recording patterns (or
through a survey method with all of the "themes") within the data gathered from
volunteer-facilitators of the center the FGD. More specifically, the stages
followed by the qualitative part through performed are the following:
a focus group discussion (FGD) to familiarization with data, generating
further explain and interpret the findings initial codes, searching for themes
of the survey results which involved six among codes, reviewing themes,
volunteer-facilitators. defining and naming themes, member-
checking, and finally producing the final
The survey questionnaires were report.
administered among the ten completely
enumerated volunteer-facilitators of the 17

FINDINGS CONCLUSION

Results show that the volunteer- The volunteer-facilitators perceived
facilitators favor sports and spiritual spiritual activities as the most valuable
activities over livelihood activities as preferred activity for the reformist at the
more important formative elements in formation center.
the overall rehabilitation program for the
reformists. Similarly, they seem to They feel that they contributed to the
strongly believe that the said improvement of the reformists by
components are effective in the helping them to find deeper meaning in
reformists’ improvement against drug their lives.
use, along with their genuine
compassion, family-oriented approach, As perceived, indicators of a successful
and strong commitment. formative rehabilitation program circle
around behavioral improvement,
As perceived, indicators of successful spiritual development, and personal
formative rehabilitation program circles enlightenment.
around (a) behavioral improvement –
i.e., performing functionally in a task The volunteers saw the diversity of the
assigned; (b) spiritual development – reformists and lack of skills in
i.e., praying and reading the Bible; and counseling and behavioral sciences as
(c) personal enlightenment – i.e., the limiting factors for doing their job
becoming self-aware and advocate effectively.
against illegal drug use.

Taken all together, these elements
constitute an effective formation and
rehabilitation program for drug
reformists based on their experiences.
However, the reformists’ diverse
characteristics and the facilitators’ lack
of counseling skills were seen as
limiting factors. Hence, related
programs for such capacity must
endeavor to incorporate the cited
factors.

18

RECOMMENDATIONS

The spiritual activities shall be continuously implemented, while minor improvements
such as making it more structured may be considered;
Aside from sports activities, indoor activities such as board games, puzzles, and group
games may also be included in the program;
Livelihood programs may be strengthened by linkages with Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Local Government Units (LGUs), and the
private sector;
Offering additional and more intensive trainings for the volunteer-facilitators that can
enhance their capacity to run the formation center may be undertaken;
The program shall include more psychology-based activities that may include a mental
health component; and
Bahay Pagbabago shall adopt a more empirical mechanism in assessing and
evaluating both for the reformists and the entire program.

19

BACKGROUND The Formation House Attitude towards

Activities Scale measures the

Bahay Pagbabago ni Apung Pilar is a appreciation and perceived
community-based, church-initiated
formation shelter in San Simon, effectiveness of the activities by the
Pampanga. It caters to individuals in the
community and nearby areas who seek respondent-repormists. It is composed
refuge to overcome substance abuse.
Using the sequential explanatory of 30 items with a 7-point Likert
design, this study conducted surveys
and focused-group discussions with 32 response options. Cronbach's Alpha
reformists to assess the shelter's
formation program based on the test shows that the total activity scale
reformists' standpoints. This is a sequel
to the study conducted earlier with has a high internal consistency
emphasis on the volunteers’
perspective. (alpha=0.946). Meanwhile, the sub-

scales show moderate to high internal

consistency (Livelihood, alpha=0.769;

Spiritual, alpha=0.769; and Sports,

alpha=0.907). Meanwhile, the

Formation House Improvement Scale

gauges the perceived self-improvement

of the respondents. It is designed in a

5-point Likert scale consisting of 12

Similarly, the study utilized a mixed- items. The Cronbach's alpha score of
method — sequential explanatory
0.65 or 0.70 has a moderate level of

research design to corroborate the internal consistency. For the qualitative

quantitative and qualitative data data, two sets of semi-structured

collected from the Bahay Pagbabago ni questions were used for the
respondents’ evaluation of the center’s
Apung Pilar reformists. It is a two-phase
program. Nine open-ended questions
method where the quantitative data is
focused on their perception of the
collected first, followed by the formation center’s mission, vision, and

qualitative data. Further, causal core values and an interview guide

comparative was used to compare the consisted of 18 questions that captured
the respondents’ perspectives on their
respondent-reformists' perceived

attitude towards the activities and their experience of the program.

self-improvement in the formation

center when grouped according to Participants are the 27 reformists
housed at Bahay Pagbabago ni Apung
gender and age. Pilar, San Simon, Pampanga. Twenty-
four of them are male, while only three
The researchers developed the are female. In terms of age group, 12
following instruments. For the are between 31 to 40 years old while
quantitative data - Formation House eight are below 30. Only seven of them
Attitude towards Activities Scale and are above 40 years old.
Formation House Improvement Scale.

20

For the data analysis, the study used It suggests that as the reformist
descriptive statistics through mean and develops a more positive attitude
standard deviation to measure the towards the livelihood, sports, and
attitude towards the activities and the spiritual activities being offered at the
perceived self-improvement of the formation center, it is also more likely
respondents. Non-parametric statistics that they may develop a higher sense of
using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, self-improvement.
and Spearman Rho were computed for
correlation. Qualitative data yielded three general
themes: (1) finding a higher purpose
Furthermore, thematic analysis was and deeper meaning in life through
utilized as a general mode of analysis spiritually uplifting undertakings; (2)
rather than a singular one. It having family-oriented treatment,
emphasizes pinpointing, examining, making them feel nothing less of their
and recording patterns (or "themes") humanity; and (3) having holistic and
within data gathered from the focused- dynamic activities, those that focus on
group discussion. More specifically, the the developmental facets.
phases performed are the following:
familiarization with data, generating These are the elements deemed by the
initial codes, searching for themes reformists themselves as important,
among codes, reviewing themes, which constitute effective reintegration
defining and naming themes, and finally to their families, communities, and
producing the final report. society. Hence, related programs for
such capacity must endeavor to
FINDINGS inculcate the mentioned factors.

Quantitative results using Spearman's CONCLUSION
rank correlations showed that there
seemed to be a significant relationship The Bahay Pagbabago ni Apung Pilar
between attitude towards livelihood (ρ seems to generally have an effective
(2) = 6.589, sig. = 0.037*, p < 0.05) and formation program for drug reformists.
spiritual activities (ρ (27) = 0.587**, p <
0.01), as formative components of the The shelter's sports, livelihood, and
program, and perceived self- sports programs seemed to
improvement (ρ (2) = 13.573, sig. = successfully bridge their goals to
0.001**, p < 0.01) during their stay in develop formative capacities among
the formation shelter. their clients to successfully combat the
debilitating effects of illegal drug use.

21

Based exclusively on the reformists' (2) having family-oriented treatment,
making them feel nothing less of their
perspectives, additional factors that humanity; and (3) having holistic and
dynamic activities, those that focus on
might lead to a successful formation the developmental facets.

and rehabilitation program includes, but

are not limited to: (1) finding a higher

purpose and deeper meaning in life

through spiritually uplifting

undertakings;

RECOMMENDATIONS

The reformists pointed out that time-related concern is the only point for improvement;
hence, stricter policy relative to time scheduling in facilitating set activities or programs
is ideal for a deeper engagement among the drug reformists.

Capability-building training should be provided for the volunteer-facilitators to equip
them with the necessary technical knowledge on facilitating formative and
rehabilitative activities essential for the overall recovery of the reformists.

Psychological training for the reformists must also be a part of the overall formation
program of the shelter and related centers.

Adding icebreakers to the program activities could help fight diminishing interest and
rekindle enthusiasm among drug reformists in their activity engagement.

Establishing a professional grooming program that will train drug reformists to relearn
proper workplace behaviors and gain a positive impression and respect is highly
beneficial.

The rehabilitation program should also provide training tips and guidance about
practical soft skills such as getting ready for job interviews, getting a professional
appearance, and communication skills.

22

BACKGROUND

Drug addiction is a global phenomenon Similarly, their emotional states
contribute to their vulnerability towards
that specifically besets the Philippines substance use, and their behavioral
reactions lead to increased usage due
society with a great deal such that the to its euphoriant solid effects. However,
some PWUDs still believed that it was
government waged war against it. their personal decision to use and
maintain substance use because it is
While eradicating illicit drugs entirely is their 'choice' that served as the core
process governing their overall
quite challenging, this study aimed to behavior. Variety of factors about their
experience of illicit drug used surfaced.
look at it eruditely from the lens of
These factors can be categorized into
psychology by investigating the three overarching factors: intrapersonal,
interpersonal, and environmental
associated "needs" that push people themes. Hence, it can be surmised that
even though these factors can be
towards drug addiction. The study comprehended from a biophysiological
viewpoint, in a larger and more
performed a series of focused-group complete perspective, illicit drug use is
best understood from the dynamics
discussions with twenty-two explained by this study. Therefore,
treatment and rehabilitation must also
stakeholders of Mega Drug Abuse center on these factors.

Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, Based on the overall qualitative data
gathered from various Mega DATRC,
one of the biggest in the country, fifteen subordinate and three
superordinate themes were extracted.
consisting of ten persons who use
The subordinate themes were the
drugs (PWUDs) and two of their close themed data from the raw answers of
the respondents, and the superordinate
relatives, three reformed users, one themes were the major clustered
themes, namely: intrapersonal
psychologist, two psychometricians, dynamics, interpersonal dynamics, and
milieu.
two nurses, and two social workers.
23
Data were analyzed using

Interpretative Phenomenological

Analysis (IPA). Trustworthiness was

secured through triangulation methods

("member checking," "peer debriefing,"

"audit trailing," and literature review.

FINDINGS

Results yielded thirty-five various
themes grouped accordingly to sixteen
subordinate themes and finally, three
superordinate themes.

Substance use among PWUDs circles
around their failed attempt to self-
regulate, a sense of being
overwhelmed by personal troubles, and
to some degree by social pressure.

Intrapersonal dynamics refer to those Finally, cognitive effects of substance
factors that originated from within the use as experienced by the respondents
PWUDs. In this study, these are the were impaired overall executive
factors extracted from the function (Madoz, & Ochoa, 2012),
psychologically driven needs of the which included memory and decision
PWUDs themselves. making (Bausela, 2018), skills, beliefs,
and attitudes (Vilchez, 2018).
On the other hand, interpersonal
dynamics refer to those factors related Lastly, the themes that were extracted
to the PWUDs' interaction (or lack from the respondents, which serve as
thereof) with others. Finally, the milieu- the benchmark for a psychological
related dynamics are those factors that intervention program, yielded data that
refer to the PWUDs' socio-economic may be emboldened by positive
environment; this refers to the social psychological concepts which have
and economic situation that beset the been found out to be helpful among
PWUDs' efforts to combat (or that addicts, though only to a limited degree
predisposes them to) illicit drug use. since the application of positive
The effects of substance use can be psychology in drug treatment and
categorized into affective, behavioral, rehabilitation is still relatively scarce.
and cognitive domains.
It included promoting happiness
The identified emotional effects of illicit (Lyubomirsky, Sheldon, & Schkade,
drug use observed in this study agreed 2015), increasing motivated behaviors
with the established literature. These in general (Köpetz, Lejuez, Wiers, and
include irritability, short and hot temper Kruglanski, 2015), harnessing curiosity
that drove them beyond controlling (Loewenstein, 2014), spirituality (Heinz
more productive emotions (Szalavitz, et al., 2010), hope (Magura et al., 2013),
2016), and relief to highly emotional and self-regulation (1999).
stresses (Rosenfeld, 2017).
CONCLUSION
Behavioral effects of substance use
that the PWUDs reported were Drug addiction can be best viewed in
consistent with those identified in the this study's context through various
DSM 5 (2013), which included, but were factors that can be construed as
not limited to, increased alertness, and intrapersonal, interpersonal, and milieu
weakened body after the drug wears off related.
restlessness, and getting into trouble
due to uncontrolled behavior.

24

It means that at least on a psychological psychologically relevant needs, albeit
level, the nature of drug addiction has ineffectively. Hence, the gratification of
multi-layered and faceted these needs can be considered a
underpinnings: those that arise from possible avenue in dealing with drug
within the individual's dynamics, their control and prevention.
overall psychosocial functioning, and
the circumstances in their surroundings. Looking at the psychologically relevant
needs of PWUDs provides a wider and
Drug addiction cannot be simply deeper understanding of the factors
attributed as a "personal weakness" of that are germane in their experiences of
PWUDs but rather a perseverant illicit drug use and thus might make
attempt toward satisfaction of them susceptible to drug addiction.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Use the qualitative data generated from this study as benchmarks to create a
comprehensive psychological intervention program for PWUDs.

Devise tools that can effectively measure the progress of PWUDs in the context of
drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation in terms of the satisfaction of these
psychologically relevant needs.

A pilot study must be conducted for the designed program that can be created from
these needs to provide a better assessment of its utility and implementation.

Validate the said developed program for usefulness and effectiveness.

25

BACKGROUND control protocol with the resumption of
admissions and activities in drug
The global COVID-19 pandemic has treatment and rehabilitation facilities
plunged the world into an nationwide. Upon compliance with
unprecedented crisis, and the these protocols, DATRCs gradually
restrictions put in place by governments started accepting new admissions
have created a significant dislocation in toward the last quarter of 2020. Aside
the global economy. The COVID-19 from the required Drug Dependency
pandemic leads to substantial Examination (DDE) by an accredited
modifications in substance abuse physician, there are other adjustments
patterns which include the trafficking, made to enhance infection prevention
transportation, substitution of harmful and control measures within drug
precursor chemicals and substances. abuse rehabilitation facilities for the
Patterns of drug use and acquisition protection of patients and the Health
may change, and the capacity of Care Workers (HCWs).
governments to respond has also been
adjusted. Given the travel restrictions In this light, the study sought to identify
imposed, the supply of drugs has been the adjustments of patients as well as
disrupted, and trafficking activities may the delivery of services of drug abuse
have been more prevalent with darknet treatment and rehabilitation centers at
and shipments by parcel. (UNODC, the time of the pandemic. It primarily
2020). utilized the phenomenological method
to extract the lived experience of
The COVID-19 Pandemic has severely patients and practitioners in drug abuse
affected the access to the delivery of treatment and rehabilitation centers
services of the government, wherein (DATRCs). Merriam and Simpson
the risk of viral spread is high among (2000) acknowledged, "the strength of
people in clusters, such as the Drug the descriptive research design is in the
Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation exploratory capability it provides."
Centers (DATRCs), prompting the Descriptive statistics were used for the
Department of Health to come up with developed online survey form.
the issuance of DOH Memorandum No. Triangulation of data obtained from the
2020-0264 or the Interim Guidelines for online survey form, online-focused
Infection Prevention and Control in group discussions (FGD), and data
Drug Abuse Treatment and generated from the Treatment and
Rehabilitation Facilities. Rehabilitation Admission Information
System (TRAIS) intended for treatment
The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and rehabilitation centers was also
adopted this infection prevention and done.

26

Purposive sampling technique was Hearing cases of their family members
employed in the selection of drug abuse or relatives acquiring COVID-19, and
treatment and rehabilitation centers in the reduced means of communication
NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, due to social distancing and community
where the respondents were drawn. protocols also added weight to their
emotional state.
A total of 110 patients undergoing
treatment and rehabilitation in selected On the other hand, some patients felt a
government and private residential sense of security as they continue to
facilities and twelve rehabilitation reside in the center during the
workers composed of nurses, pandemic. Trained staff of the centers
psychologists, and program managers provided mental health first aid
were the participants of the study. For response for those experiencing
the analysis of quantitative data, symptoms of depression and anxieties.
derived frequencies and percentages
were processed using the Statistical Their daily activities and movement in
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). the center drastically changed as well,
Qualitative data collected were they shifted from their regular face-to-
analyzed through a coding system of face group activities to minimal physical
recurring ideas/themes. interaction with people that were only
limited to online means of
FINDINGS communication.

Patients have experienced symptoms Their inability to communicate
of depression and anxiety because of physically with their relatives, friends
the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the and families as well as join in group
factors cited on the causes of anxiety activities due to the suspension of the
include the loss of their source of visitation privileges, face-to-face, and
financial security, where some of the group activities in adherence to the
patients were displaced from their jobs existing health protocols gave the
because of the pandemic, feeling of patients a sense of longing for their
guilt, and worrying that they are not with friends and loved ones.
their family and relatives at these
challenging times. There are a number of drug abuse
treatment and rehabilitation centers
Patients also experienced anxiety and that encountered cases of COVID-19
fear of acquiring COVID-19 or hearing transmission. Of the six (6) DATRCs,
news of their relatives or loved ones only one (1) DATRC has not
contracting the disease. encountered any cases of COVID-19
transmission.

27

Aside from transmission cases among There are DATRCs that reported that
the patients, there were also two (2) they had issued policies in compliance
DATRCs that experienced COVID-19 with the IATF and DOH guidelines,
cases among their health workers and respectively, prior to the issuance of
staff. DOH DM No. 2020-0118. Among the
protocols initially implemented include
COVID-19 cases in DATRCs were the observance of using face masks,
coordinated with the local government face shields, and other personal
units and were brought to the LGU’s protective equipment (PPEs).
isolation units.
When the suspension of the
DATRCs initiated a 14-day quarantine admissions and group activities were
and contact tracing among its patients implemented, only nurses in full set of
and center staff who had direct contact personal protective equipment could
with the client, following the protocols enter their residential dorm areas.
set by the IATF. Swab tests for all
DATRC’s patients and staff were also There are DATRCs that ceased
implemented and coordinated with their admissions and group activities in their
respective Local Government Units. center following the DOH directive and
strictly implemented the guidelines set
Close coordination with the LGUs for by the IATF to prevent local
the contact tracing among the families transmission in their facility. The
of the center staff who have tested suspension of the admission and face-
positive for COVID-19 were made. to-face visitation was also followed by
the implementation of the new
A contact tracing team was also screening and health protocols aligned
established to handle the admission with the guidelines as indicated in the
system and management of patients, DOH Department Memorandum 2020-
as well as to make sure that the close 0264.
contacts were quarantined, and the
management rented a quarantine DATRCs were able to come up and
facility (outside the center) as a adapt to the new system in terms of the
temporary shelter for their staff. visitation, admission, and engagement
of programs aligned with the DOH
A clearance with a medical certificate protocols
from the center’s physician was
required for the infection and 28
prevention control team comprised of
medical doctors and nurses as they
leave the center.

There are DATRCs that augmented An adjusted work schedule and
additional staff in their nursing section implementation of work from home
to address the staff complement arrangements guided by the Civil
requirement of the center to improve Service Commission (CSC) were
their COVID-19 response. The implemented in the government centers.
adjustments were also reflected in the
admission process of the drug abuse There are DATRCs that implemented
treatment and rehabilitation facilities, online delivery of services such as
such as swab tests, 14-day quarantine, family dialogue, counselling, visitation,
and assessment before client group sessions. The contact of the
admission in the facility patients with their families is done
through video chatting and cross-
To continue the delivery of services platform messaging applications
amid the pandemic, among the closely supervised by center staff.
adjustments undertaken by the Implementation of training programs
DATRCs include augmentations in their was also adjusted. The conduct of static
work arrangements such as the group sessions was suspended and
implementation of pre-duty quarantine, instead focused on group sessions with
adjustments in the work schedule, at least three patients per session.
provision of temporary shelter for staff Other face-to-face training programs
and patients undergoing the 14-day were continued, such as baking and
quarantine, and assignment of color livelihood programs but with a reduced
coding for the center staff. During the number of participants.
pre-duty quarantine, some DATRCs
provided their staff with temporary Modules were also pre-recorded to
shelter. minimize physical contact between the
staff and the patients. Instead of their
A satellite office outside the center for staff conducting physical lectures,
their staff and patients undergoing recorded modules were played for the
outpatient service was placed and patients while conducting the online
implemented a stay-in work system for sessions. Topics related to COVID-19,
their personnel. They have assigned a which includes its overview,
color coding for their center staff, precautionary health measures, and
providing specific restrictions for coping with the anxieties and stress
access to other facilities, especially caused by the pandemic, were
those who have direct contact with the provided.
patients.

29

DATRCs encountered the challenge of The DATRCs were confronted with the
low admission of inpatient and limited communication equipment
outpatient, following the suspension of available in some DATRCs for the
the admission and conduct of face-to- conduct of call and text programs for
face activities. The challenge brought their patients. There were instances
by the decrease in the number of that center staff were compelled to use
patients brought by the suspension of their personal gadgets and load cards
the admission allowed the DATRCs to to be able to cater to the needs of their
have enough flexibility to adjust with the patients. There are also patients who
distancing measures implemented in have already graduated from the
their centers. The shift in the DATRCs’ program but were not able to return yet
delivery of services to online means of to their families because of the strict
implementation was also a challenge. community quarantine in their LGUs.
This included access to a strong With this, it entailed additional costs for
internet or intranet connectivity given the center.
that there are centers in areas that have
difficult or no connectivity, thus The implementation of health protocols
hindered the continuous operations in also required additional logistical costs
the conducted online visitation for the acquisition of personal
programs, virtual hearings, tele- protective equipment (PPE), surgical
counselling, and the implementation of masks, and disinfection items, which
online modules and training programs. were re-aligned and diverted from the
existing budget of the centers. DATRCs
The adjustments in the delivery of their also encountered challenges brought
services and continuity of operations by the delays in the processing of the
also brought the challenge of having release of the patients due to the
additional administrative and logistical lockdown implemented in the patients’
costs on the part of the center facility. community and delays in the
Aside from the additional processing of their court order
communication expenses brought by
the demand on the use of mobile
services and internet connectivity, the
mandatory quarantine and swab testing
as part of the new admission protocols
is being shouldered by the center.

30

CONCLUSION Some patients viewed that there is no
difference in terms of access to the
The Philippine government provided a delivery of services of DATRCs, while
multi-sectoral approach in addressing there are some who find it more
the COVID-19 pandemic. It is in this accessible than before the pandemic.
condition that the survey was Furthermore, patients find that the
undertaken, and the following existing services of DATRCs have
conclusions were as follows: become better.

The causal relationship between Personal adjustments were
COVID-19 and drug addiction could be
directly proportional. PWUDs are more encountered by the patients, which
vulnerable to acquiring COVID-19
because of their compromised health included the inability to communicate
condition. In the same vein, the
economic constraints and conditions physically with their relatives, friends,
caused by COVID-19 are likely to
exacerbate the risk for the most and families due to the suspension of
vulnerable population groups to use
drugs and substances. group activities and visitation privileges.

The pandemic brought a significant Furthermore, daily activities and
impact on the mental health and
wellbeing of the patients, among which mobility in the center drastically
include having symptoms of depression
and anxieties brought by adjustments in changed, shifting from the usual face-
their daily lives and routines.
to-face for group activities, counselling,
The feeling of isolation due to social
distancing measures and the fear of family interactions, and visitations with
acquiring COVID-19 can lead to anxiety,
sleep disorders, depression, and post- minimal interaction with people, usually
traumatic stress disorders (Huang,
2020). by online platforms.

Patients also experienced anxiety and
fear of acquiring COVID-19 or hearing
the news of their family having COVID-
19 and not being there for their family.
The delays in court hearings and the
implementation of lockdown restrictions
in communities also affected the
release of the patients.

31

Some DATRCs also encountered DATRCs made significant adjustments
cases of COVID-19 transmission in the delivery of their services, among
among their patients and staff. which include the online delivery of
Consequently, significant adjustments services such as family dialogue,
in DATRCs were implemented to counseling, visitation, group sessions.
include the mandatory swab test on all
its patients and staff, conduct of contact Static group sessions were suspended
tracing in coordination with their and instead focused on group sessions
respective LGUs, the establishment of with at least three clients per session
a contact tracing team comprised of done face-to-face. Other training
medical doctors and nurses from the programs were continued, such as
center to handle the management of baking and livelihood programs but with
patients who acquired COVID-19. a reduced number of participants.

Admissions and group activities were Innovations were made in the training
also suspended in adherence to the programs, such as the use of pre-
guidelines of DOH and IATF. recorded modules, the inclusion of
topics related to COVID-19, and mental
New screening and health protocols health discussions to aid in coping with
were established by the DATRCs, the effects of the pandemic.
which include requiring patients to have
swab tests and undergo a 14-day Phone or video calls through
quarantine and assessment prior to cellphones or laptops provided by the
admission to the facility. facility became alternative means to
client's family visitations as lent by
DATRCs also made staff center staff under close supervision.
augmentations to improve their COVID-
19 response and implemented work The pandemic brought a lot of
adjustments such as a pre-duty challenges to DATRCs, including the
quarantine and work from home low admission of inpatient and
arrangements, social distancing, and outpatient, following the suspension of
quarantine measure, as well as the the admission and conduct of face-to-
establishment of temporary shelter face activities.
facilities.

32

The online means of implementation of The adherence to the social distancing
DATRC programs and the limited and quarantine measures in the
access to a strong internet or intranet admission of patients, online delivery of
connectivity, as well as facilities and services, conduct of COVID-19 tests,
equipment, were also a challenge in and the delays in the release of the
implementing online modules, training patients also entailed additional
programs, and tele counselling. administrative and logistical costs on
the part of the DATRCs, entailing the
re-alignment and diversion of the
existing budget of the centers.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Align drug-related programs with interventions to counter the negative socio-
economic consequences of the crisis can help prevent an increase in COVID-
19 pandemic-triggered use of drugs.

• Scale-up demand reduction interventions for emerging vulnerable population
groups affected by the loss of job, death of loved ones, and depression. The
development and conduct of programs and interventions that will address the
specific concerns of this emerging vulnerable population are imperative.

• Enhance prevention programs to include topics on COVID-19 precautionary
measures, particularly for the most at-risk population and emerging vulnerable
groups. Explore home-based healthy substitutes and positive alternative
activities.

• Develop and enhance center-based scientific and evidence-based COVID-19
related interventions to make them more accessible and responsive to people
in need.

• Address stigma against persons who use drugs and persons who acquired
COVID-19 through education. Make existing services more inclusive and
equitable through interventions that are anchored on respect for human rights.

• Allocate funding to COVID-19 related treatment and rehabilitation responses
and other related programs and interventions.

• Expand professional development programs to COVID-19 related response.
• Ensure that DATRCs adhere to the government’s COVID-19 safety and health

protocols.
• Develop proactive response activities to address the new trends of drug abuse

amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensure that the competence level of center-
based front liners providing mental health services is improved to cater to the
patients’ needs better and appropriately.

33

BACKGROUND Correcting negative behaviors and
increasing happiness and productivity
This paper aimed to explore the promotes strengths, virtues, and factors
integration of positive psychological contributing to a significantly gratifying
science in the context of treatment and and fulfilling life.
rehabilitation of persons who use drugs
(PWUDs). It further endeavors to The designed PPI is a 14-session
outline a Positive Psychology program intended to be delivered once
Intervention (PPI) program that intends a week within three months. It was
to harness the Character Strengths and subjected to the review of three expert
Virtues (CSV) of the PWUDs as psychologists with decades of forensic
supplemental to their drug abuse psychological experience. Based on
treatment and rehabilitation. their judgments guided by the
evaluation standards stipulated by
Positive Psychology as a framework Yarbrough et al. (2010), the developed
banks on the humanistic-existential PPI addresses the psychological needs
perspective that "strives to help people of the PWUDs in terms of their drug
fulfill their potential and maximize their abuse treatment and rehabilitation, with
wellbeing" (Cherry & Lacy, 2020) and its session activities deemed as realistic,
considers "human nature to be open- prudent, diplomatic, and frugal.
ended, flexible and capable of an
enormous range of experience" Specifically, the session activities of the
(Norcross & Lambert, 2011) where "the PPI are designed to enhance the
person is in a constant process of following CSVs of the PWUDs:
becoming" (Vos, Craig, & Cooper, conformity, hope, self-acceptance,
2014). assertiveness, self-esteem, self-
regulation, openness to change,
Martin Seligman, a pioneer of Positive motivation, personal strength, patience,
Psychology (2012), theorized that by happiness, and belongingness.
focusing on "positive subjective
experience, positive individual traits, Furthermore, the researcher-made
and positive institutions, a quality of life Face Validation Questionnaire for the
is achieved." He further postulates that designed PPI was evaluated based on
what leads people to live more the utility, feasibility, propriety, and
meaningful lives can translate to better accuracy. It consisted of a two-part
mental illness management. questionnaire composed of 22-items
using a 7-point Likert scale and three
open-ended questions as a guide for
the three expert validators.

34

Descriptive statistics through means addiction they have
and standard deviations were used in
the evaluation results of the three experienced.
experts.
The 14-session intervention program
Finally, the proposed PPI also secures
the legal and ethical requirements with developed consisted of the following:
due regard for the welfare of the
PWUDs and other stakeholders where institution, self-acceptance through
the said program will be implemented at
the Mega Drug Abuse Treatment and forgiveness, personal strength,
Rehabilitation Center, a government
rehabilitation facility situated in Nueva conformity, sadness (targeting this
Ecija, Region III.
through positive emotions, self-esteem,
FINDINGS
self-regulation, assertiveness,
In designing the PPI, the researcher
has the following objectives in mind: motivation, belongingness, openness

1. To positively impact the to change, patience, hope and gratitude,
PWUDs' lives by increasing
their experiences of positive and dissolution.
emotions and developing their
strengths and talents, thereby These identified psychological
enhancing their goal setting constructs in this comprehensive
and goal-striving abilities Positive Psychological Intervention
despite drug addiction. program were patterned on the needs,
expectations, and cultural contexts of
2. To build a sense of hope into PWUDs and the other stakeholders.
the PWUDs' perspective by
cultivating a sense of gratitude, From the evidenced-based modules
happiness, wellness, and presented, strategic activities are
wellbeing that will enable them accompanied by psychological
to maintain healthy and positive instruments and evaluation
relationships with others. questionnaires to aid the treatment and
rehabilitation center (TRC) in assessing
3. To assist the PWUDs in the effectiveness of the different
developing an optimistic modules.
outlook for a fuller life
experience despite the drug Based on the results, the designed

program, which was assessed on four
(4) criteria –utility, feasibility, accuracy,
and propriety obtained a ‘high average
rating’ which indicated that the experts

believed that the activities selected in

the designed program were solidly

based on the needs of the stakeholders

of the Treatment and Rehabilitation
Center (TRC). An overall rating of ‘4.69’
with a standard deviation of ‘0.13’ has

an equivalent qualitative description of
‘high average rating.’

35

Based on its utility (4.75, a standard CONCLUSION
deviation of 2.17), the PPI program
seemed to target essential values and In view of the designed PPI program
virtues. and the psychologically oriented needs
of the PWUDs, the following
Furthermore, the topics selected for conclusions are hereby made:
each program are timely and
appropriate to their current conditions. 1. Integrating activities that aim to
harness character strengths and
In terms of its feasibility (4.75, a virtues (CSVs) among PWUDs
standard deviation of 2.38), the is a specific psychologically
activities in the program have a high oriented and proactive approach
capacity for effective management to drug abuse treatment and
strategies, and its procedures are rehabilitation.
practical and responsive to the way a
psychological intervention program 2. Positive Psychology Intervention
operates. (PPI) program is an emergent
trend in the field and practice of
For the designed PPI program, forensic and rehabilitation
accuracy criteria obtained a mean psychology. Applying the theory
score of 4.78 and a standard deviation and concept of positive
of 2.26, indicative that it employed psychology in drug addiction
systematic information in the collection, treatment and rehabilitation is a
review, verification, and storage promising frontier, especially in
methods, based on technically sound challenging times.
designs and analyses appropriate for a
program evaluation. 3. As created, the designed PPI
program is considered
Lastly, in terms of propriety (mean of supplemental to the existing
4.50 and a standard deviation of 3.04), programs of the drug abuse
it was explicit in its efforts to consider treatment, and rehabilitation
the needs, expectations, and cultural centers (DATRCs) deemed to be
contexts of the PWUDs and other a viable option in helping
stakeholders. It further protects human PWUDs attain a psychological
and legal rights and maintains the good life despite drug addiction.
dignity of the participants and other
stakeholders in its included activities.

36

RECOMMENDATIONS

To make use of the designed PPI program drawn from the psychological needs of the
PWUDs, the following recommendations are hereby suggested:

1. Run the designed PPI program for pilot study among PWUDs in a drug abuse
treatment and rehabilitation center setting to establish the specific details about
its proper delivery.

2. Assess the validity of the piloted version of the designed PPI program for its
proper implementation in drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation facilities.

3. Explore possible application of the designed PPI program as supplemental to the
existing Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs (CBRP) for PWUDs.

37

38

39

40