Self-Disclosure Among Youth with Problematic Methamphetamine Use Who Received Treatment in Public Health Centers of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

The research aimed to examine the factors influencing self-disclosure of 18 young people (aged 18–24 years old) who had problematic with methamphetamine use and participated in the Matrix treatment program in public health centers of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The sample was recruited through flyers, announcements and a telephone screening questionnaire. A semi-structured interview was used for this qualitative study. Almost all participants were male (88.8%), age 21–24 years (72.2%), more than half had middle to high school education (55.5%), and were employed (72.2%). The majority were on probation and had received treatment for 5–16 weeks (55.6%). The research found that all participants had trust in their therapist and told the truth in the belief that it was useful for treatment. Although over half were still engaged in therapy by the time of probation, all participants appreciated the therapy and their therapist. The factors influencing self-disclosure include the following: (1) Therapist qualities and (2) Treatment experience in the past. The conversation with therapists made them feel they could vent, and that there was someone who understood them and encouraged them to quit drugs. Living entirely without drugs gave them more confidence to share personal information. When a therapist shows disdain or is judgmental, that discouraged self-disclosure.

Keywords:

• Methamphetamine abuse
• self-disclosure
• youth

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.