Some Psychosocial Correlates of Relapse among Drug Dependents in Nigeria

Abstract

This study tried to find out some psychosocial correlate of relapse among drug dependants in Nigeria. The subjects were 67 in and outpatient drug dependants of the Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Aro, and its annex at Lantoro, Abeokuta, and the Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos. They were 65 males and 2 females with the mean ages of 26.3 and 22.5 years respectively who fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the study. Fifteen were dependent on cocaine/heroine, 16 on alcohol, and 36 on cannabis. A questionnaire containing some socio-demographic items and questions designed to measure the degree of difficulty encountered in some daily living activities/conditions, was used. Subjects, case files were also used. Result showed that difficulty experienced in daily living activities/conditions and the duration of illness significantly and positively varied with relapse rate. Age and type of family (polygamous/monogamous) did not show any significant relationship with relapse rate. It is therefore concluded that the degree of difficulty experienced in daily living activities/conditions and duration of illness can be used to predict the subjects who stand a high risk of relapsing after hospital treatment. This would help in the proper utilization of the Limited mental health manpower and facilities available in the Nigeria- especially as far as rehabilitation of drug dependants after treatment is concerned.