The development of a community-based drug intervention for Filipino drug users

This paper 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 selfconstrual. The use of small groups, interactive and creative methodologies, and the incorporation of music and prayer also recognized the importance of these in the Philippine culture.