Speakers - PAWC2025

Abstract

Every individual has his own volition in life that something is wished to be achieved sometime and somewhere across the lifespan. There is certain meaning of substance use in the mind of those who may want to try some substance. They expect to get something from the use and at the same time they may also anticipate that something bad would result from it. Perhaps upon some consideration, they have finally chosen to attempt to adopt substance use behaviors (though it may not be the best option).
Over time, they have become addicted to substance use. Such abuse probably starts affecting their execution and/or fulfillment of the internalized life roles. The short-term and/or long-term impacts may either be reinforcing or threatening their substance abuse behaviors. Continuation of the abuse may help them more justifiably keep being relieved from the obligations to take up and satisfy the roles which they have been struggling with. In contrast, the emerging negative consequences from the abuse may start alarming them that they may no longer be able to bear anymore. They may then be urged to evaluate their meaning of substance use and hence re-interpret and/or re-value what the use actually means to them. Wish for change may then be initiated.
Nevertheless, even when a change is really desired, it may or may not lead to engagement in rehabilitation due to various reasons. If the rehabilitation is eventually not opted, they may in turn keep letting the impacts of substance abuse reinforce or threaten their abuse behaviors. Even when they finally choose to be engaged in the rehabilitation, they may get support but meanwhile face obstacles too during the process. They should thus be guided to look for and achieve their volition in life which is not “substance dependent” through continuously identifying the internal and/or external factors affecting their capabilities for so and analyzing the dynamics among them. 
A conceptual and practice framework of substance abuse rehabilitation has been developed in Hong Kong to delineate and illustrate the above concepts and then guiding the practices for several years. The outcomes are encouraging. Research is needed to modify the framework to further enhance the effectiveness of the interventions in Hong Kong and elsewhere.