Mental health experts in Nigeria have expressed concerns over the growing number of people abusing drugs and the inadequacy of existing rehabilitation centres. According to Veronica Ezeh, a psychiatric nurse at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, the number of people abusing drugs is growing faster than available treatment spaces. She emphasized the need for more properly equipped centres staffed by qualified professionals.
Existing rehabilitation centres in Nigeria are provided by various organizations, including government hospitals, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) facilities, private homes, faith-based organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and traditional practitioners. However, Ezeh expressed concern over varying treatment standards, inadequate personnel, limited resources, and the high cost of care. She noted that some private facilities are operated by people without adequate knowledge of addiction treatment.
The Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, has 90 beds dedicated to drug rehabilitation, with 60 beds for male patients and 30 for female patients. The hospital's Medical Director, Olugbenga Owoeye, said the available beds were insufficient to meet the needs of Lagos, which has an estimated population of 22 million. He urged NGOs, corporate organisations, and other institutions to support rehabilitation services.
The cost of treatment for substance abuse is also a significant challenge, with treatment costing between N300,000 and N400,000 monthly. Taiwo Obindo, a consultant psychiatrist, identified inadequate personnel, rising medication costs, and limited facilities as major challenges. He urged the government to prioritise rehabilitation services and improve remuneration and incentives for professionals working in rural areas.
Relatives of patients at rehabilitation centres have appealed to the government to subsidise rehabilitation costs, noting that medication and other required services are expensive. Olumide Adams, a relative of a patient at the Drug Rehabilitation Unit of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, said his brother's condition had improved since admission, but described the experience as difficult.
Experts are also calling for the implementation of the National Mental Health Act and Policy to address the challenges facing mental health care in Nigeria. Obindo emphasized the need for the government to integrate mental healthcare into primary healthcare and provide support for professionals working in rural areas.
The mental health experts' call for more investment in drug rehabilitation centres and affordable treatment highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address substance abuse in Nigeria. With the growing number of people abusing drugs, there is a pressing need for more facilities, qualified professionals, and affordable treatment options to support those affected.
Key points
- Existing rehabilitation centres in Nigeria are insufficient to meet the needs of those abusing drugs.
- The cost of treatment for substance abuse is a significant challenge, with treatment costing between N300,000 and N400,000 monthly.
- Experts are calling for the implementation of the National Mental Health Act and Policy to address the challenges facing mental health care in Nigeria.
