The Effectiveness of Treatment: A Study of Drug Addiction Treatment Centers in Bangladesh

• In Event: Drug Treatment, Program Effectiveness, and Predictive Analytics

Abstract

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the treatment provided by drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers in reducing drug abuse in Bangladesh. The study was conducted in 6 urban residential treatment centers in 2 cities. A mixed-method approach consisting of a sample survey and in-depth interviews was employed to collect the data. A total of 120 inpatient drug addicts who are currently receiving treatment and 150 drug abusers who completed treatment in the past 6 months were randomly selected for interviews. Additionally, in-depth interviews with the treatment center officials were conducted. The effectiveness of the treatment was measured by the effects of treatment and rehabilitation programs on drug abuse comparing the frequency of drug use during admission and the follow-up period. Data indicate that more than 50 percent of admissions to treatment centers are repeat admissions suggesting that treatment has little impact. Overall, the recovery rate is modest ranging from 20 to 30 percent. The key barriers to treatment effectiveness include high dropout without completing the treatment, a lack of an integrative approach to recovery, and a lack of involvement of parents and family members in the recovery process particularly at the aftercare phase of the patients.

Authors

• Mohammed Bin Kashem, National University, Bangladesh

• Farhana Afrin, National University, Bangladesh