Experience of Drug Abusers Participating in Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Services Provided by the Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers (CCPSAs) in Hong Kong

Mimi Mei Ha Tiu,Wing Yi Wong,Tsz Kwan Wong,Mei Suet Wu,Yin Yee Lai,Chui Man Tse,Ka Man Yeung,Lok Tung Yeung,Carmen Ka Man Fung,Tsz Hung Wong,Yuk Ying Yu,Wing Yan Fung

doi:10.4236/health.2020.128075

Abstract

Despite the official statistics showing that the number of drug users has been declining, the problem of drug abuse remains serious in Hong Kong. This problem is evidenced by the trend of hidden and prolonged drug abuse. The recovery of drug abusers is an important process, because the misuse of drugs can cause many bio-psycho-social complications. Therefore, 11 Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers (CCPSAs) in different districts in Hong Kong play an important role on those drug abusers [1]. As a core community-based drug rehabilitation service in Hong Kong, studies about CCPSAs are limited. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach to explore the experience of drug abusers participating in community-based drug rehabilitation services provided by CCPSAs. Five CCPSA users, who utilized the services for more than two months, participated in the semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Data collected were then analysed by thematic analysis, and five themes were generated: 1) receiving supportive counselling service in CCPSAs, 2) revealing variance towards nonmandatory services in CCPSAs, 3) encountering intrapersonal conflicts when participating in CCPSAs, 4) expanding social network through integration in group activities and 5) wishing to be a companion to other drug abusers. Findings of this study provide valuable insights towards services modification and the enhancement of drug rehabilitation and drug abusers’ wellbeing over the collaboration of healthcare workers, services providers and the media. However, this study has some limitations, and it presents suggestions for future research.

Highlights

The problem of drug abuse in Hong Kong remains serious, the total number of reported drug abusers in the official statistics has been declining in the recent four years [2]
Data collected were analysed by thematic analysis, and five themes were generated: 1) receiving supportive counselling service in Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers (CCPSAs), 2) revealing variance towards nonmandatory services in CCPSAs, 3) encountering intrapersonal conflicts when participating in CCPSAs, 4) expanding social network through integration in group activities and 5) wishing to be a companion to other drug abusers
This study aims to explore the experience of drug abusers participating in community-based drug rehabilitation services provided by CCPSAs, especially on their perception of using the services and the effects brought by the services provided

Summary

Introduction

The problem of drug abuse in Hong Kong remains serious, the total number of reported drug abusers in the official statistics has been declining in the recent four years [2]. The underlying rationale is that those living in the community who are struggling with drug addiction or have already ceased drug abuse encounter substantial needs and challenges in daily life, and they may be lacking the ability to cope by themselves. They demand support and assistance from the community. To address their various needs, 11 Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers (CCPSAs) in different districts in Hong Kong play an important role on those drug abusers [1]

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Conclusion