Psychosocial aspects of drug dependence: the Nigerian experience

This paper provides an operational definition and lists some psychosocial questions usually asked about drug dependence. It then reviews the literature on drug abuse in Nigeria, extracting some of the psychosocial variables involved. The review indicates that drug abuse is associated with polygamous or large monogamous families, which may be suggestive of "stressful sibling rivalry." Other factors included defiance of or rebellion against parental control, the facilitation of social intercourse, and harmful early childhood experiences. The social factors implicated include urbanization, Westernization, and migration which may weaken the traditional African support system. An important out-growth of the review is that the psychosocial variables implicated are not different from those observed in other cultures. However, an important social dimension is the prescribing and dispensing practices of Nigerian medical doctors and pharmacists which encourage drug abuse.