By Abayomi Elias
Mr Femi Babafemi
Some experts have come to the conclusion that the only sustainable way to help a drug addict is to expose such person to a rehabilitation center rather than cover him or her.However, the numbers of rehabilitation centers in the country is inversely proportional to the numbers of drug addicts in the country.
This implies that the higher the numbers of drug addicts, the lesser the available rehabilitation centers to accommodate them.
This huge gap predicated why The Mirror Newspaper in an exclusive interview engaged the Director Media and Advocacy of National Drug Law And Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mr Femi Babafemi to address this concerns so as to chart a way forward.
Q and A by Femi Babafemi, Director Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, with The Mirror Newspaper
1. What are the success rates of rehabilitation centers in treating drug addiction, and what factors influence an individual’s likelihood of overcoming their addiction?
Answer: Success rates in the treatment of drug addiction vary significantly due to disparities in service quality, follow-up care, and a host of other factors . The following may be considered as key factors that influence success rate:
Level of addiction and duration of useCo-occurring mental health conditionsAccess to professional counseling and medication-assisted treatmentAftercareReintegration supportFamily involvement and social supportMotivation and readiness to changeQuality of facility and availability of trained staff etc
2. What features and services should a standard and modern rehabilitation center offer to provide comprehensive care and support for individuals struggling with addiction?
Answer: A modern rehabilitation center should offer the following services:
Detoxification (with medical oversight)Psychiatric and psychological servicesIndividual and group counselingVocational and life skills trainingFamily therapy and reintegration programmesSpiritual and recreational therapy optionsMedication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) where needed (e.g., methadone for opioid addiction)Follow-up services
3. What are the potential reasons behind the limited investment in modern rehabilitation centers by the government and private sector, despite the prevalence of drug use and addiction in many families?
Answer: There are series of reasons that include: Stigma and denial about drug use issuesCompeting budgetary priorities (insecurity, infrastructure, education etc)Poor understanding of addiction as a public health issue Lack of insurance coverage for mental health/substance use disordersLimited data-driven advocacy to push policy and funding reforms.
4. Would you recommend rehabilitation for individuals who use drugs but still function well in society, such as musicians or professionals?
Answer: Yes, rehabilitation or structured outpatient treatment is recommended, especially for early intervention. It will also help in the following aspects:
Prevents progression to dependencyAddresses underlying psychological or emotional issuesPreserves productivity and public imageOffers confidential treatment options
5. What strategies can the government and social services employ to address the growing number of addicts who have lost their mental stability, are roaming the streets, and begging for alms, while still struggling with addiction?
Answer: Recommended strategies:
Mobile outreach and rescue teams which comprise the following (medical professional, social workers and law enforcement agencies)Partnerships with psychiatric hospitals for dual diagnosis care Establishment of halfway homes and shelters Community-based detox centersStreet-level mental health services and crisis responseReintegration programmes (vocational training, housing support)
6. How important is family support in the recovery process for individuals struggling with addiction, and what role can family members play in encouraging their loved ones to seek help?
Answer: Family support is very critical in recovery process for someone who struggles with drug use. Family support boosts motivation, reduces stigma, and improves recovery outcomes.
The family can play the following role: Recognizing early signs and intervening promptlyParticipating in family therapy sessionsProviding emotional, moral, and sometimes financial supportAssisting in monitoring for relapse signsEncouraging adherence to treatment plans
7. What aftercare services and support systems are essential for individuals who have completed rehabilitation to prevent relapse and maintain long-term recovery?
Answer:
Establishment of halfway homes.Continued outpatient counseling.Peer support groups.Vocational and life skills trainingSocial support services8. What community-based initiatives and programs can be implemented to prevent drug use and addiction, particularly among young people, and to support those who are struggling with addiction?
Answer:
School-based drug educationYouth clubs and recreational centersPeer mentoring programmesReligious engagementSkill acquisition and entrepreneurship trainingCommunity based drug abuse programmes (like NDLEA’s WADA initiative)
9. How can different agencies, such as law enforcement, healthcare providers, and social services, work together to address the complex issues surrounding drug addiction and provide comprehensive support for individuals in need?
Answer:
Multi-sectoral drug control committeesData sharing on drug useReferral systems Joint training programmes on drug addiction, treatment and recovery.
10. What funding models and resource allocation strategies can be employed to support the establishment and operation of modern rehabilitation centers, and how can these resources be allocated effectively to meet the needs of individuals struggling with addiction?
Answer:
Having a trust fundPublic-Private Partnerships (PPP)Government grants and subventionsInternational donor support (UNODC, EU, WHO)Cooperate Social Responsibility initiatives by banks, telecoms, oil and gas sectorsNational health insurance scheme integration (NHIA to cover mental health/addiction).
In conclusion, when you know somebody is on drugs, you don’t cover such person but rather help the person by exposing him or her into a rehabilitation center that offers quality services, a proper follow-up and a host of other factors.