The 2022 Philippine election, mental health and the ‘war on drugs’

Smith, Alexander; Ungria, Maria Corazon A. De; Jose, Jose M.; Liebrenz, Michael

doi:10.1111/dar.13521

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…There is also literature that Filipinos exposed to drug-related killings are more vulnerable for severe mental distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (Smith et al, 2023). The results also validate a report of the Human Rights Watch on the injustice and misery in Philippine jails indicating that some women may need trauma-related mental health support (Conde, 2016).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 72%

“…This study was conducted among drug-involved women during the Duterte administration's drug war and highlights the effects of the punitive approach and experience of trauma. Smith et al (2023) suggested that the road to strengthening mental health care for those affected by the Philippine drug war requires both high-level and localized initiatives. In 2022, the new president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed that the country's drug initiatives will focus on drug demand reduction and be within the bounds of human rights (Abad, 2022).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Her village: experiences of drug-involved women in a female-only aftercare program in the Philippines

Hechanova,

Tee,

et al. 2024

IJOPH

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Purpose Women are exposed to vulnerabilities that can lead to drug use or hinder recovery. However, there is a dearth of studies on recovery programs for women. This study aims to add to the literature by examining the feasibility of a women-only aftercare program for recovering users in the Philippines. Design/methodology/approach The study used a mixed-method design with pre and post-program surveys used to measure changes in participants’ recovery capital. Focused group discussions elicited participants’ context, their reactions, perceived outcomes and suggestions on the program. Findings Women in the program shared narratives of pain, trauma and abuse before treatment. Participants reported significant improvements in personal, community and family recovery capital dimensions. The program enabled personal growth in the form of new knowledge, skills and self-confidence. The women-only program also provided a safe space for women, to receive support from other women, community members and family. However, the women continue to face continuing challenges related to stigma and discrimination and a lack of livelihood opportunities. Research limitations/implications A limitation of the study was its small sample size and the lack of a control group. Another limitation was the variability in treatment received by the women, which could have affected overall outcomes. Future studies using a randomized control trial and longitudinal designs may provide more robust conclusions on the effectiveness of the program. Practical implications Given punitive contexts, gender-sensitive and trauma-informed programs and services for women involved in drug use could potentially mitigate the abuse, stigma and vulnerabilities they experience. Originality/value This study contributes to the sparse literature on women-only aftercare, particularly in countries that criminalize drug use.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 72%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%