Abstract
The problem of substance addiction in communities is still a serious and increasing
social problem. It has a great impact on families, communities, society and the country.
Inefficient means for prevention and control of this problem will shortly lead to substan-tial social complications in communities. Therefore, the participation of the community
in coping with widespread substance addiction is crucial.
The objectives of this participatory action research study were to explore the situation of addictive substance abuse and develop a model for prevention and control by
emphasizing community involvement. One hundred and fifty villagers, who were community leaders, health volunteers, guardians, and youths living in villages 5, 9, and 11 of
Patan, Khuntan district, Chiang Rai Province, participated in the research activities. The
researchers and the community groups analyzed problems and determined solutions by
using the AIC-technique. They 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
sources of substance distribution were identified in all three villages. Community regulations for the prevention and control of addictive substance abuse were established through
village consultative meetings. After the regulations were implemented continuously, the
scale of substance addiction became dramatically more limited in these three villages.
Local organizations played a very important role in minimizing these social problems.
However, community participation needs to be strengthened and continued in order to
sustain the success of substance control in these villages.
