Abstract
The problem of substance addiction in communities is a serious increasing social problem at the present time. It has a great impact through families, communities, society and countrywide. The inefficient means on prevention and control of this problem will lead to a great number of social problems in communities very soon. Therefore, the participation of the community to fight with the epidemic of substance addiction is a very crucial mean. The objectives of this study were to explore the situation of addictive substance use and develop a model for prevention and problem solving by emphasizing on the community involvement. The participatory Action Research (PAR) was applied in this study. One hundred and fifty villagers who were community leaders, health volunteers, guardians, and youths lived in village 5th, 9th, and 11th of Patan, Khuntan district, Chiang Rai province were participated in research activities. The researchers and the community groups analyzed problems and determined the solution means by using the AIC-technique and collected information by using the participatory observation method and focus group discussion technique. The study was conducted between October 2001 and February 2002. The result of the study revealed that there were 40 drug users in these villages. The source of substance distribution were found in all 3 villages. Community regulations for prevention and solving the addictive substances use were setup through the village meeting. After the regulations were implemented continuously, the situation of substance addiction was decreased dramatically in these 3 villages. The local organization in each communities played a very important role to solve these social problems. The community participation need to be strengthen and continue to sustain the success of substance control in these villages.
