Abstract
The aims of this case study, conducted at the Wing 23 Drug Rehabilitation Centre, Udon Thani Province, Thailand, were to ascertain, by means of qualitative research, the pathway(s) leading to “Yaba” (Amphetamine) use by drug users and dealers and determine the factors influencing those behaviours. The participating cases (n=70) were female clients at this institution. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection, using an open-ended in-depth interview format with guidelines to ensure content validity. The use of triangulation methodology ensured enhanced validity and reliability, while content (thematic) analysis was used for overall data analysis. The results were as follows:
With respect to the pathway(s) leading to habitual drug use, the study results indicate that the use of Yaba began in participants’ youth, after being introduced to it by friends or boy friends who suggested that they try the drug, thus forming an incipient behavioural pattern of regular use. The influencing factors found to predispose toward such use included a positive attitude deriving from a perception of Yaba’s benefits as a helpful means of acquiring friends and reducing suffering. An important enabling factor was cost, as drug users who have more money can acquire more Yaba and can therefore use it more frequently. Reinforcing factors included the need for acceptance and the influence of significant persons such as friends, boyfriends and family members.
In considering the likely pathway(s) leading to involvement in drug dealing, the study results indicate that such cases had a history of drug-taking, and the increasing need for money to support their habit motivated them to eventually become drug dealers. The results therefore suggest that lack of money was an important contributory factor impelling them towards drug dealing. An influential predisposing factor was a positive attitude engendered by the realization that they could work and earn money by their own efforts, leading to improvement in their economic status, with a concomitant feeling of pride in their ability to do so. The fact that Yaba could be obtained more easily, and that they could sell the drug for 2-4 times more than the original cost, were important enabling factors. A significant reinforcing factor facilitating their decision to become drug dealers was the realization that increased income would lead to greater
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levels of convenience in their life. Family members were also implicated as persons influencing their decision to become drug dealers.
With respect to approaches to solving the narcotic problem, the study indicates that most participants supported maintaining significant interaction between all relevant parties, advocating vigilance with respect to drug-related behaviours. Community members should also participate by providing important information to investigators. However, some participants suggested that the narcotic problem could not be solved easily because of its large scale and the fact that it was related to personal attitudes, beliefs, behaviours and needs. Both family and environmental factors within the community were implicated as contributors to the problem. The consensus opinion was that, as an effective approach toward a solution, narcotics production should cease altogether.
