DRUG/SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE RESEARCH UNIT

VISION :
Drug/Substance Dependence Research Unit (DDRU), Institute of Health Research, has recognized a research unit in Chulalongkorn University since 2004. It offers an outstanding research and information resource on substance abuse, alcohol and HIV/AIDS to the local area and beyond. By integrating existing information and collecting primary data, DDRU will become an essential resource in resource in resolving substance abuse, alcohol and HIV/AIDS problems and supporting national policies.

MISSION :
DDRU intends to develop knowledge-based information on substance abuse, alcohol and HIV/AIDS to support policy decisions at the regional and national level. It will also disseminate appropriate knowledge, information and education aiming at sustainable problem solving in the country as a whole.

GOALS :

1. To conduct researches to monitor drug/substance abuse, alcohol consumption and HIV/AIDS situation and present the results to the national and international agencies.
2. To contribute to consultation meetings on substance dependence and HIV/AIDS epidemiology by participation and presentation on the change of supply and demand of substance abuse, review of HIV/AIDS situation and intervention among the abusers, etc.
3. To conduct researches and interventions to alcoholic beverage and HIV/AIDS population.
4. To develop simple and low cost laboratory techniques for detection of alcohol and substance abuse in body fluid.
5. To coordinate and exchange information and knowledge with other institutions e.g. Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Ministry of Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Prince of Songkla University, Khon Kaen University, other government agencies, NGOs and local authorities, as well as WHO and other international organizations.
6. To offer training courses for both national and international participants.

STRATEGY :

1. CAPACITY BUILDING FOR PROFESSIONALS AND WORKERS IN SUBSTANCE, ALCOHOL ABUSE AND HIV/AIDS PROBLEMS

Organize and provide training of knowledge and technology related to substance abuse, alcohol and HIV/AIDS situations, assessment and intervention.

2. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Coordinal and execute R & D focusing on substance, alcohol misuse and vulnerable populations specific to health problem. Evaluation of policy and implementation related to substance, alcohol abuse control as well as HIV/AIDS

3. INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION (IEC)

Organize training and conferences and serve as the regional clearing house for knowledge based information and statistics.

4. COMMUNITY BASED INFORMATION CENTER

Develop of technology and infrastructure for community based monitoring systems on substance abuse. Serve as the coordination center of the network of community based information.