Traditional Therapies and the Treatment of Drug Dependence in Southeast Asia

Many countries in Southeast Asia have the experience of traditional treatments of drug dependence, or have healers who are extending traditional methods to meet contemporary needs. Some treatments, for example those used in some Buddhist monasteries in Thailand and clinics in Japan, rely upon the philosophical and religious traditions of the country; others come closer to faith healing and magic in their practices; and many use herbal preparations during detoxification and afterwards, as well as offering spiritual or secular therapy. This paper argues that careful evaluation be made of the methods and outcome of these traditional treatments of drug dependence and summarizes some of the evidence so far published.