Evaluation of the Intensive Treatment and Rehabilitation Program for Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (INTREPRET) in the Philippines: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The Philippines has been severely affected by the methamphetamine crisis. The government has launched a policy war against drug use, although the severe sanctions imposed on drug users have been criticized internationally. To help implement a more effective and humane approach to drug use, this study aimed to introduce a comprehensive treatment program for methamphetamine users based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) whose effectiveness will be evaluated through a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Methamphetamine users admitted into government-run rehabilitation facilities are recruited and randomly assigned to either a CBT-based treatment program or existing therapeutic community (TC)-based treatment. The CBT treatment program was developed based on the Matrix Model that considers cultural and social factors in the Philippines. After 6 months of treatment, there will be a three-month follow-up, when the participants’ drug use (tested through urine testing) and other psychological variables, including craving, coping skills, and well-being, will be compared. Potential participants are given a summary of the study and a consent form. The consent form is signed and dated by participants prior to their study participation. Ethical approval was obtained prior to the commencement of the study. DISCUSSION: This is the first randomized controlled trial to compare the residential CBT program and the TC model for methamphetamine users in the Philippines. The study aims to fill the current knowledge and capacity gaps by introducing a CBT-based treatment program to improve the psychosocial well-being of drug users in the Philippines. Moreover, if the effectiveness of the treatment program is demonstrated, anti-drug campaigns and severe sanctions against drug users may be reconsidered. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry JPRN-UMIN000038597. Registered on 15 November 2019. Protocol version October 17, 2021 ver.2