Exploring Drug Issues and Their Impact on Recovery Community in Eastern Shan State: A Study of Social, Psychological, and Economic Dimensions

This study delves into the social, psychological, and economic impacts of drug addiction on individuals and communities in Eastern Shan State, Myanmar. A mixed-methods approach, incorporating in-depth interviews with two caregivers and surveys of 52 recovering drug users, was employed to understand the multifaceted challenges. The study findings underscore the critical role of family support, community resources, and accessible healthcare in facilitating recovery. Conversely, economic hardships and political instability emerged as significant barriers for recovery communities, families, and recovery centers to effectively manage recovery services. To address these issues, the study recommends comprehensive interventions, including strengthening family support systems, enhancing community-based recovery programs, improving healthcare services, and advocating for policies that promote economic stability and opportunities and areas of security in cooperation with state actors, ethnic armed groups, the international community, and CSOs.