Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation (CBDR) is an integrated model for helping persons who use drugs (PWUDs) with low to mild severity of use. It includes screening, treatment, recovery and family support, aftercare and reintegration.
CBDR promotes social integration and increases the accessibility for rehabilitation within the community. However, there are many challenges in implementing CBDR services in the Philippines.
Based on a rapid assessment done by USAID RenewHealth, it is estimated that only 30 to 50% out of the 1.3 million PWUDs, have been screened because of the lack of DOH-accredited doctors to conduct Drug Dependency Examination and lack of capability in communities to conduct screening.
Only 30% of the 1.3 million eligible for CBDR have received treatment
Due to a number of constraints, only 50% of those who begin CBDR actually complete it
As a response to these challenges, the USAID RenewHealth Project works with Philippine government agencies, such as the Department of Health (DOH), Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and local government units (LGUs).
LGUs are mandated to establish the Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) in their respective localities. ADACs play an important role in CBDR service delivery – providing services from screening to treatment and recovery of PWUDs.
The new client flow or Board Regulation No. 7, Series of 2019: Consolidated Revised Rules Governing Access to Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs and Services as prescribed by the Dangerous Drugs Board and the Department of Health includes guidelines and procedures in handling PWUDs. It explains the revised regulation governing voluntary access to treatment and rehabilitation services by PWUDs.
The client flow suggests that screening for risk for dependence and mental health issues should take place where people are – in communities, schools, workplaces and health facilities. Low-risk and moderate risk users may also receive treatment in communities, schools, workplaces and health facilities. Beyond treatment, LGUs are also tasked to provide for the recovery and family support, aftercare and reintegration that PWUDs need to live a healthy and drug-free life.