Addiction rehabilitation services offered at Mathari national training and referral hospital towards family recovery from effects of addiction

Abstract

Substance addiction has become a threat in family and a great challenge in the society. Rehabilitation institutions offer recovery services to addicted individuals. However, rarely is the family considered sick and in need of recovery services. This study focused on public residential rehabilitation institutes and services offered towards family recovery from substance addiction. The study was carried out in Mathari National training and Referral Hospital Substance Rehabilitation Institute in Nairobi. Research question guiding the study: Which services are offered in Mathari public residential rehabilitation institute towards family recovery? This study was based on Family Systems Theory. The study adopted descriptive research design. The target population was 50. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to obtain a sample size of 20 participants. Semi-structured interview guides were used to collect data. Data was analysed thematically in line with the research objective. The findings are of great benefit in the discipline of psychology, the family and the society. The findings revealed that Mathari Substance Rehabilitation Centre require more psychological counsellors trained in substance addiction. That services offered in the rehabilitation centre should also emphasis on family member(s) psychological empowerment; and that only few substance addicts can be admitted in the centre. Recommendations were eventually stated as; establishment of family recovery programmes in Mathari rehabilitation institute, increase the number of psychological counsellors who are trained in substance addiction in Mathari; and enlargement of the institute to accommodate more substance addicts and engagement of a multidisciplinary team to handle family members towards recovery.