Inquiry into faith-based social reintegration programs for recovering drug addicts in Nigeria

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to subject faith-based organizations (FBOs)-operated social reintegration programs for recovering drug addicts to scrutiny to understand their effectiveness in addressing the three-pillar social needs.Design/methodology/approachUsing concurrent mixed methods research design, a sample size of 156 respondents, 15 in-depth interviewees and 12 key informants was selected purposely from three FBOs and three National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) State Command Areas in Nigeria. Data were collected using questionnaire survey, interviews, observation and document review, and then analyzed using descriptive and content analyses.FindingsFindings showed nine different noncore social reintegration programs for recovering drug-addicts with different required rates of participation and diverse purposes. Also, the results showed that the three-pillar social needs of recovering drug addicts for successful reintegration into the society were not provided for by the FBOs. Finally, findings showed that majority of the respondents were only slightly satisfied with the overall services rendered at the selected FBOs, and these services were not properly monitored by relevant government agency.Social implicationsAppropriate regulations that will check and balance the activities of treatment providers involved in social reintegration is recommended to achieve optimal level of physical, psychological and social health for recovering drug addicts.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge ,this is a pioneer study that investigated faith-based social reintegration programs for recovering drug addicts in Nigeria.