Drug Use and Criminal Behavior Among Patients in Addiction Treatment in A Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Nigeria: A Mixed-Methods Study.

BACKGROUND

Drug users often face legal issues, but there is limited data in Nigeria. The study examined the relationship between drug use and crime among patients at an addiction treatment center in a neuropsychiatric hospital in Nigeria.

METHODS

The study adopted a mixture of retrospective and qualitative methods. The quantitative design involved retrieving the alcohol/drug and forensic records of 100 patients, who had received addiction treatment, using their Addiction Severity Index (ASI) filled out at admission. The qualitative aspect entailed conducting a focus group discussion (FDG) with 5 purposively selected participants on admission. While the ASI data were subjected to descriptive analysis, the FGD data were subjected to thematic analysis.

RESULTS

It showed that patients used various substances and committed different types of crimes, but most weren't involved in serious crimes or legal proceedings. The focus group discussion revealed a possible link between drugs and crime, citing economic motivation, impaired self-control, and psychological impact as contributing factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that addressing this issue requires a holistic approach, including addiction treatment, economic support, and mental health care, beyond just law enforcement. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive interventions to tackle the complex relationship between drug use and crime.