Effect of Nature Referral to Seek Treatment on the Management of Substance Use Disorders among Recovering Addicts in Mombasa County, Kenya

Abstract

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) have mild, moderate and severe effects on the individual. Management can be impacted by various factors. This study investigated how client’s referral is related to management of Substance Use Disorders. The study anchored on the Rational Emotive Behavioral Theory and adopted the Convergent Parallel Mixed Method Research Design Very good choice of the research method that effectively handles Controversial Issues (CIs). The target population was 220 from which a total sample of 69 participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The study established that self-referred addicts had higher uptake of counseling skills (mean=3.7026; SD= .63601) compared to other modes of referral. However, participants who were taken to the rehab by the police reported higher means on adherence to treatment and life skills. The study recommended rehabilitation centers should incorporate the nature of referral of their clients in the planning for management strategies.