The primary drug abuse problem in the Kingdom of Thailand for centuries was opium dependency. In the late 1990's the abuse of amphetamine type stimulants (ATS) superceded the heroin problem. The government of Thailand is very concerned about the increasing use of ATS. The treatment models previously designed to treat opiate addiction are not effective nor, in many cases, appropriate for this new population. Accompanying the public health dangers from the methamphetamine itself are serious concerns about the spread of communicable diseases including STDs, HIV, and hepatitis. The Division for Coordination of Drug Abuse Treatment, Ministry of Public Health in Thailand requested assistance from CSAT, the U.S. Embassy, and funding from the U.S. State Department to help support a technical assistance plan whereby Matrix Institute on Addictions, a UCLA-affiliated treatment organization would train personnel in the Matrix Model (a manualized stimulant abuse treatment approach, sponsored by NIDA) and establish outpatient centers in seven sites across Thailand. 24 Thai treatment professionals visited the Matrix Institute to learn the Matrix Model and translate materials into Thai. Their visit was followed by a reciprocal visit of Matrix trainers to Thailand to consult with the treatment centers. In February of 2001, seven new sites were chosen to receive training and provide cognitive, behavioral outpatient services using the Matrix Model. Ongoing data collection will provide information to guide and direct this international effort. The presentation will describe the key challenges in conducting this large scale effort to adapt and transfer US technology to Thailand.
Learning Objectives: This session will describe a training and evaluation program designed to build a treatment system in response to a major methamphetamine epidemic. Participants will learn about challenges in conducting a large scale effort to adapt and transfer the U.S. technology to Thailand.
Keywords: Drug Abuse Treatment, Training
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.