WAT-THAMKRABOK - A BUDDHIST DRUG REHABILITATION PROGRAM IN THAILAND

Since 1959 Wat Thamkrabok, a Buddhist monastery in Thailand, has been conducting a drug addiction rehabilitation program which claims a 70% success rate. The program is known for its use of unconventional metho ds, such as inducing vomiting to relieve ''cravings'' for drugs, herba l saunas, strict discipline, an emphasis on Buddhism, and a sacred vow to never again use drugs. This is a descriptive study based on observ ations and interviews (mostly with foreigners) made at the monastery. While it was not possible to evaluate claims of success, there were se veral interesting aspects of the program which emerged. Vomiting was r eported to be effective in reducing ''craving,'' and participants seem ed to have a positive regard for the program, but there were some seri ous concerns raised about health risks and the coercive nature of the program.