P-86 - Needs of Assertive Community Treatment: Voices of Thais Diagnosed With Alcohol Dependence

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to elicit information about needs of assertive community treatment from Thais diagnosed with alcohol dependence (TDAD)’s perspectives in order to understand the lived experiences of TDAD through posing the question: How do TDAD described the needs of assertive community treatment from their lived experiences? The phenomenological method described by Cohen, Kahn, and Steeves (2000), fifteen TDAD living in Northern Thailand provided in-depth descriptions of the typical, the worst, and the best days in their lives (A day of the life approach). The data were collected using in-depth interviews, reflective journaling, and observations following Cohen et al.’s process for analysis.

Analysis of the data revealed three major themes: Needs of Management, Needs of Compassion, and Needs of Rehabilitation. The needs of management theme emerged from the categories of drinking management, stress management, symptoms management, and financial management. The theme of needs of compassion connected an understanding of love, support, and caring. The categories of daily living skills training, working opportunities, health promotion, and household arrangement were represented by the theme of needs of rehabilitation.

This study makes a unique contribution in that it presents the actual lived experiences and the needs of assertive community treatment among TDAD. The findings could be beneficial in developing program of assertive community treatment for TDAD in order to help TDAD to live their lives to their own needs and as normally as possible.