Experience with an in-patient treatment model for alcohol and drug dependence in Nigeria

A new programme for the treatment of alcohol and drug dependence at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Nigeria is based on the modified Minnesota/Therapeutic Community model. It therefore incorporates the disease concept of drug dependence and the 12-steps of Alcoholic Anonymous (AA). Chores and responsibilities are shared by all while learning experiences/sanctions are meted out for rule contravention. Most of the patients seen were forcibly brought by relatives, they were all males and polydrug abusers with no appreciable withdrawal symptoms during detoxification phase of the programme. About a third completed the treatment schedule. A sharp drop in abscondence rate was observed with the introduction of spiritual therapy. Experience showed that the patients had difficulty in conforming to rigid rules and staff had problems in coping with some of the complex issues of drug management.