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Article
The Development of a Community-Based Drug Intervention for Filipino Drug Users
Psychology Department Faculty Publications
  • Ma. Regina Hechanova, Ateneo de Manila University
  • Arsenio S Alianan, Ateneo de Manila University
  • Mendiola Teng-Calleja, Ateneo de Manila University
  • Isabel E Melgar, Ateneo de Manila University
  • Avegale Acosta, Ateneo de Manila University
  • Angelique Pearl Virtue Villasanta
  • Kay Bunagan, Ateneo de Manila University
  • Camille Yusay, Ateneo de Manila University
  • Angelica Ang, Ateneo de Manila University
  • Jane Flores, Ateneo de Manila University
  • Nico A Canoy, Ateneo de Manila University
  • Ervina Espina, University of the Philippines Visayas
  • Gayle A Gomez, Ateneo de Naga University
  • Elena Samonte Hinckley, University of the Philippines Diliman
  • Antover P Tuliao, Texas Tech University
  • Miriam P Cue, Philippine Regulatory Commission
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-14-2018
Abstract

This article documents the development of a community-based drug intervention for low- to mild-risk drug users who surrendered as part of the Philippine government's anti-drug campaign. It highlights the importance of developing evidence-informed drug recovery interventions that are appropriate to the Asian culture and to developing economies. Interviews and consultations with users and community stakeholders reveal the need for an intervention that would improve the drug recovery skills and life skills of users. Evidence-based interventions were adapted using McKleroy and colleagues’ (2006) Map of Adaptation Process (MAP) framework. The resulting intervention reflected the country's collectivist culture, relational values, propensity for indirect and non-verbal communication, and interdependent self-construal. The use of small groups, interactive and creative methodologies, and the incorporation of music and prayer also recognised the importance of these in the Philippine culture.

Citation Information
Hechanova, M. R. M., Alianan, A. S., Calleja, M. T., Melgar, I. E., Acosta, A., Villasanta, A., Bunagan, K., Yusay, C., Ang, A., Flores, J., Canoy, N., Espina, E., Gomez, G. A., Hinckley, E. S., Tuliao, A. P., & Cue, M. P. (2018). The development of a community-based drug intervention for Filipino drug users. Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology, 12, e12. https://doi.org/10.1017/prp.2017.23