1 Samuel Ojima Adejoh, 2 Ihuoma Ezebuihe, 3 Victor Ogunsola, 4 Waziri
Babatunde Adisa and 5 Sophia Emeto
1,3,4,5 University of Lagos, Nigeria
2 Coppin State University, Baltimore, Maryland, United State.
Abstract
Objective: This study examined the influence of family structure, employment
opportunities, marital status and stigmatization on reintegration of rehabilitated drug
abusers in Lagos, Nigeria.
Method: This study used the qualitative research design to collect data from 50
respondents. The study was conducted in a Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital using the
outpatient clinic. Data were analysed adopting the phenomenological approach of
analysis. Nvivo 12 plus was used to analyse the data.
Findings: Immediate family members were supportive of drug abusers’ reintegration
with those from monogamous family receiving more support than those from the
polygamous family structure. Being married is an important factor in rehabilitation
and reintegration as expressed by the respondents. Being employed either in private or
private sector assisted them in keeping their eyes off drugs. Stigmatization was
experienced at community level, workplaces and even among friends and peer.
Conclusion: Efforts should be put in place to educate members of the public on the
need to support drug abusers undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration for total
reintegration into the society. This involves avoiding any of stigmatization towards
rehabilitated drug abusers.
Keywords: Reintegration, drug abusers, family structure, stigmatization,
employment opportunities