A CHANCE AT REDEMPTION: A MULTI-CASE STUDY OF DRUG SURRENDEREES BECOMING PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS IN SOCIETY

The study examined the real-life encounters of five drug surrenderees participating in Oplan Tokhang Drug Rehabilitation recovery programs. The primary research objective was to understand drug surrenderees' life experiences and the changes they experienced and their insights about the program. The research used standardized interview guides as its main data collection method and combined purposive and snowball sampling with a multiple-case study design structure. The research produced three essential findings based on the deep interview data. After starting the Oplan Tokhang Drug Rehabilitation program, participants developed self-discovery and redemption as their main incentives, which led to personal growth and increased self-esteem. The former inmates achieved seamless success in returning to their communities, where they repaired their connections with family members and reinvented their interactions. Participants felt deep appreciation toward the rehabilitation program because it helped them achieve new life starts and restored dignity and purpose, as well as lasting change.