The 28-day guiding book for clients in the early-stage rehabilitation program: its usefulness and effectiveness
Early-stage rehabilitation represents a vital phase in the continuum of care for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). This phase typically encompasses a 28-day period dedicated to detoxification and both physiological and psychological stabilization, serving as a prerequisite for the subsequent social rehabilitation phase. However, there is a lack of empirically validated guidebooks designed to effectively address the complex needs of clients during this stage.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of the 28-day guiding book developed by the Indonesian National Narcotics Board Drug Rehabilitation Center for clients undergoing early-stage rehabilitation.
Material and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving consecutive clients enrolled between June 18 and 27, 2025, in the Lido Rehabilitation Center, Indonesian National Narcotics Board. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and to assess changes in clients’ knowledge following the use of the guiding book over a 28-day period.
Result: A total of 32 clients, aged 18 to 50 years, participated in this study. The majority were males (96,90%), adolescents (46,90%), high school graduates (71,90%), and had used drugs for less than 10 years (75,10%). Bivariate analysis revealed that 90,62% of respondents showed significant improvements in total knowledge scores related to illicit drugs and their consequences, addiction, self-awareness, coping strategies, co-occurring diseases, and orientation to subsequent stages of the rehabilitation program after completing the 28-day guiding book. Factors contributing to these improvements included gender, age group, educational background, and type of drug used (p<0,05).
Conclusion: The provision of a structured and comprehensive guiding book is essential to support clients' recovery trajectories and enhance treatment continuity. Further development of the book is recommended to better meet the diverse needs of clients.
