Community-Based Recovery in Asia: Integrating Mental Health and Addiction Services at the Grassroots Level, Thailand

 This presentation will be featured at Indonesia 2025, on the 18.09.2025.

Author: Chalowat Inpa

Abstract:

The rising prevalence of substance use in Thailand—particularly methamphetamine and cannabis—has led to a significant increase in psychiatric comorbidities, including mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, and cognitive impairment. In response, Thailand has implemented an integrated, community-based recovery approach that connects mental health and addiction services at the grassroots level.

Central to this effort is the “Lom Rak” , Community-Based Treatment (CBTx), creating a continuum of care that includes community screening, outreach, home-based support, and digital health applications. In alignment with UNODC guidelines, the model engages local health providers, village health volunteers , district health boards, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations.

Initiated six years ago with ten pilot communities, the model has since expanded to 878 communities nationwide. According to 2025 data, the integrated CBTx–OPD (outpatient department ) model demonstrates high treatment retention (87.98%) and remission (84.28%) rates, along with strong cost-effectiveness.

Challenges such as stigma, workforce limitations, and inconsistent follow-up are being addressed through community capacity building, intersectoral collaboration, and mobile health innovations. Thailand’s experience offers a scalable, evidence-based model for advancing integrated, community-driven addiction recovery across Asia.