A Study of the Trend and Extent of Drug Abuse Among Drug Abusers at the NDLEA Counselling Centre, Lagos

The study was conducted through a prospective study of one hundred and fifty five patients in the hospital ward. The sample was made up of patients with drug-related problems who were interviewed at the NDLEA counselling centre, Lagos. The interview was conducted using the structured questionnaire method. The structured questionnaire sought information on the socio-demographic characteristics of the patients, types of drug abused, predisposing factors, and previous admission before the present admission. The findings show that drug-abusers are predominantly males, single, unskilled workers, traders, unemployed and civil servants. Psychiatric hospitals and rehabilitation centres served as treatment centres for participants with previous admission records. Drug therapy, psychotherapy and occupational therapy were the management strategies used and a recommendation for the inclusion of peer counselling as a management strategy. (Nigerian Journal of Clinical and Counselling Psychology: 2001 7 (1&2): 17-34