Abstract
Services to provide screening, treatment and rehabilitation of alcohol-related problems are covered
under the Universal Health Coverage Scheme in Thailand. However, massive number of population with
risks and patients are practically ignored, do not get what they should be serviced, from the current health
care system and practices. Unintentionally but significantly, the shortage to provide proper care, escalates
the magnitude and severity of alcohol problems. Technical evidence shows the need, appropriateness,
benefit and practicability of the comprehensive services for alcohol related problems with in Thai health care system. The comprehensive service should cover four interconnected components; 1) alcohol screening
and brief intervention, 2) Detoxification and treatment of physical co-morbidity, 3) Alcohol treatment
and rehabilitation, and 4) Long term after care. Major limitations at macro scale is the lack of policy to
strengthen health care system in addressing alcohol problems, including in raising significance, building
up preparedness and capacity of the systems, providing incentive, and resource management. Critical
constraints at institutional level include awareness and capacity of health workforces, the lack of risk
assessment and management, the unavailability of clear and comprehensive policy. The framework to
strengthen Thai health care system response to alcohol problems should tackle major system gaps in
current systems, and strike balance of and cover all four components in parallel.
