Despite high levels of alcohol-related injury in South Africa, there are no screening and brief intervention (SBI) programs in any hospital trauma centres. We conducted semistructured interviews with 16 trauma centre staff (8 doctors, 7 nurses, 1 social worker) focused on barriers and enablers to the future implementation of a SBI program. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Perceived barriers included time constraints and injury treatment as priority, with the central barrier being inadequate funding. Enablers included the support of senior staff, and training. These findings can be used to support the successful implementation of a SBI program in South African trauma centres, with the purpose of reducing high rates of risky alcohol use and related injury recidivism.
{"title":"Barriers and Enablers of Screening and Brief Intervention Programme Implementation for Patients with Alcohol-Related Injuries in a South African Trauma Centre: Views of Health Care Providers","authors":"Cheneal Puljević, S. Cook, J. Ferris, C. Ward","doi":"10.4314/ajdas.v20i2.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ajdas.v20i2.3","url":null,"abstract":"Despite high levels of alcohol-related injury in South Africa, there are no screening and brief intervention (SBI) programs in any hospital trauma centres. We conducted semistructured interviews with 16 trauma centre staff (8 doctors, 7 nurses, 1 social worker) focused on barriers and enablers to the future implementation of a SBI program. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Perceived barriers included time constraints and injury treatment as priority, with the central barrier being inadequate funding. Enablers included the support of senior staff, and training. These findings can be used to support the successful implementation of a SBI program in South African trauma centres, with the purpose of reducing high rates of risky alcohol use and related injury recidivism. ","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43077794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Substance use disorder is a major contributor to disability adjusted life year. Globally and especially in Africa there is high treatment gap for substance use disorders (SUDs) and lack of training in addiction psychiatry. This commentary discusses challenges to SUD treatment and training in Africa and offers suggestions to advance the field. Sociopolitical and health system factors limit the availability of treatment and training of healthcare providers for addiction in Africa. It is essential that governments in Africa prioritise investment in addiction treatment and training to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with lack of treatment.
{"title":"Addressing Challenges in Addiction Treatment and Training in Africa","authors":"I. Ebuenyi, E. Chikezie, Ifeoma N. Onyeka","doi":"10.4314/ajdas.v20i2.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ajdas.v20i2.5","url":null,"abstract":"Substance use disorder is a major contributor to disability adjusted life year. Globally and especially in Africa there is high treatment gap for substance use disorders (SUDs) and lack of training in addiction psychiatry. This commentary discusses challenges to SUD treatment and training in Africa and offers suggestions to advance the field. Sociopolitical and health system factors limit the availability of treatment and training of healthcare providers for addiction in Africa. It is essential that governments in Africa prioritise investment in addiction treatment and training to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with lack of treatment.","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43723542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Much of the research concerning women’s alcohol use and misuse has focused on biomedical issues associated with female drinking; In contrast, little attention has been paid to the social dimensions of maternal drinking. Using the Symbolic interactionist’s paradigm, this paper interrogates the social and health consequences of drinking among women of reproductive age. Data were collected using a concurrent mixed research approach (quantitative and qualitative data) Three hundred and seventy-three (373) close-ended questionnaires were analysed, and in-depth interviews were conducted among 12 mothers randomly selected from different occupational backgrounds. Findings reveal that heavy alcohol intake can cause divorce in marriages, loss of social respect, stigmatisation for the children, and loss of social bonds within the family. The researcher concluded that health and social issues relating to alcohol use can only be understood within the social and cultural context. However, the paper recommends an all-encompassing approach which involves continuous sensitization of women (especially of reproductive age) on the dangers of maternal alcohol use and the need to implement policies to regulate the production, marketing, and consumption of alcohol.
{"title":"Social and health implications of alcohol consumption among women of reproductive age in Anambra state, southeast Nigeria","authors":"E. Ezekwe","doi":"10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.2","url":null,"abstract":"Much of the research concerning women’s alcohol use and misuse has focused on biomedical issues associated with female drinking; In contrast, little attention has been paid to the social dimensions of maternal drinking. Using the Symbolic interactionist’s paradigm, this paper interrogates the social and health consequences of drinking among women of reproductive age. Data were collected using a concurrent mixed research approach (quantitative and qualitative data) Three hundred and seventy-three (373) close-ended questionnaires were analysed, and in-depth interviews were conducted among 12 mothers randomly selected from different occupational backgrounds. Findings reveal that heavy alcohol intake can cause divorce in marriages, loss of social respect, stigmatisation for the children, and loss of social bonds within the family. The researcher concluded that health and social issues relating to alcohol use can only be understood within the social and cultural context. However, the paper recommends an all-encompassing approach which involves continuous sensitization of women (especially of reproductive age) on the dangers of maternal alcohol use and the need to implement policies to regulate the production, marketing, and consumption of alcohol.","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48572982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
B. Osamika, Adewale Adeshina, S. O. Folorunso, Adenike Esther Osamika, E. Ogundipe, Busayo Tomoloju, R. Akingbade
Commercial drivers often engage in long and irregular working hours, and as such suffer back pain, fatigue, stress and thereafter use some psychoactive substance to cope with their job. Even though most studies on substance use have been on general population, limited information is available on the use of substance and roles of socio-demographic factors among commercial drivers. This study therefore examined the roles of socio-demographic factors (age, years of driving, gender and social support) in substance use among commercial drivers in Ibadan, Nigeria.The study employed a cross-sectional design and purposive sampling technique to recruit 250 commercial drivers. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information on socio-demographic information, social support and substance use from the participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, Analysis of Variance and Independent t-test analysis. Results showed that years of driving significantly have a positive correlation with substance use. However, duration and hours spent on the driving did not have a significant independent relationship with substance use. Younger participants significantly engage more in substance use than older individuals. Similarly, female participants significantly engage more in substance use than male drivers. Additionally, participants with high social support mostly engage in substance use than participants with low social support. The study concluded that years of driving, age, gender and social support network of the drivers significantly plays an influencing roles in substance usage among commercial drivers in Ibadan. The study recommends that, in the organized substance use and abuse preventive program for drivers, the consideration for drivers’ socio-demographics factors is quite imperative, especially as more females and younger individuals with more social support are getting more involved in substance use.
{"title":"Substance use, social support and socio-demographic factors among commercial drivers in Ibadan","authors":"B. Osamika, Adewale Adeshina, S. O. Folorunso, Adenike Esther Osamika, E. Ogundipe, Busayo Tomoloju, R. Akingbade","doi":"10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.3","url":null,"abstract":"Commercial drivers often engage in long and irregular working hours, and as such suffer back pain, fatigue, stress and thereafter use some psychoactive substance to cope with their job. Even though most studies on substance use have been on general population, limited information is available on the use of substance and roles of socio-demographic factors among commercial drivers. This study therefore examined the roles of socio-demographic factors (age, years of driving, gender and social support) in substance use among commercial drivers in Ibadan, Nigeria.The study employed a cross-sectional design and purposive sampling technique to recruit 250 commercial drivers. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information on socio-demographic information, social support and substance use from the participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, Analysis of Variance and Independent t-test analysis. Results showed that years of driving significantly have a positive correlation with substance use. However, duration and hours spent on the driving did not have a significant independent relationship with substance use. Younger participants significantly engage more in substance use than older individuals. Similarly, female participants significantly engage more in substance use than male drivers. Additionally, participants with high social support mostly engage in substance use than participants with low social support. The study concluded that years of driving, age, gender and social support network of the drivers significantly plays an influencing roles in substance usage among commercial drivers in Ibadan. The study recommends that, in the organized substance use and abuse preventive program for drivers, the consideration for drivers’ socio-demographics factors is quite imperative, especially as more females and younger individuals with more social support are getting more involved in substance use.","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45664089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study employed a purposive sampling technique to examine the implementation of substance abuse policy in South Africa with the participation of East London citizens. The study applied a qualitative approach and paradigm that allowed for the description and exploration of the circumstances surrounding substance abuse as discussed by sixteen participants engaged in in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion. Demographically, the participants’ age ranged from 42 to 59 years with a mean of 50.1. The gender distribution was skewed with eleven male and five female participants. Among the participants were fourteen blacks and only two whites. The participants were recruited through a purposive sampling technique. The data were analysed manually through thematic analysis. Inter alia, the study revealed the limited success of substance abuse policies; poor intergovernmental policy implementation; a paucity of qualified human resources and politics and corruption serving as stumbling blocks to proper policy implementation. This study revealed a need to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of substance abuse policies in South Africa.
{"title":"Validating the implementation of substance abuse policy in South Africa: The voices of East London citizens","authors":"Samkelo Bala, S. Kang’ethe","doi":"10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.1","url":null,"abstract":"This study employed a purposive sampling technique to examine the implementation of substance abuse policy in South Africa with the participation of East London citizens. The study applied a qualitative approach and paradigm that allowed for the description and exploration of the circumstances surrounding substance abuse as discussed by sixteen participants engaged in in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion. Demographically, the participants’ age ranged from 42 to 59 years with a mean of 50.1. The gender distribution was skewed with eleven male and five female participants. Among the participants were fourteen blacks and only two whites. The participants were recruited through a purposive sampling technique. The data were analysed manually through thematic analysis. Inter alia, the study revealed the limited success of substance abuse policies; poor intergovernmental policy implementation; a paucity of qualified human resources and politics and corruption serving as stumbling blocks to proper policy implementation. This study revealed a need to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of substance abuse policies in South Africa.","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43580222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Media reports indicate that methamphetamine (mkpulummiri) use is growing among young people in Eastern Nigeria, but empirical research has not been conducted. This article reviews the recent media reportage of methamphetamine use in Eastern Nigeria, presents an empirical account of a methamphetamine user, and synthesizes the available evidence, showing the factors facilitating its use. Available evidence shows that drug trafficking and illegal laboratories are the two main factors encouraging current methamphetamine availability and use in Eastern Nigeria. The NDLEA has discovered illegal laboratories where methamphetamine is produced in Enugu and Asaba. These laboratories were established by drug barons from Eastern Nigeria and their foreign counterparts. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that these local laboratories have largely contributed to the growing methamphetamine epidemic. Media reports indicate that youth organizations and vigilante groups apply corporal punishment by flogging identified users in public but do not highlight how effective this sanction is. While empirical data show that weight control motivates methamphetamine use, the grey literature has blamed youth unemployment. There is an urgent need to conduct empirical research to determine methamphetamine prevalence, the sources, motivations for use, and consequences in Eastern Nigeria. This will facilitate the design of effective interventions to reduce the growing trend. Efforts to discover and dismantle illegal laboratories should not only focus on cities because laboratories set up to evade detection may exist in rural settings. It is vital that the government work with all stakeholders to increase public awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine use in Nigeria and develop mechanisms to support addiction treatment and rehabilitation to prevent social stigma users may face.
{"title":"Methamphetamine (Mkpulummiri) use in eastern Nigeria: A new addition to drug users’ repertoire","authors":"Emeka W. Dumbili, I. Ebuenyi","doi":"10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.6","url":null,"abstract":"Media reports indicate that methamphetamine (mkpulummiri) use is growing among young people in Eastern Nigeria, but empirical research has not been conducted. This article reviews the recent media reportage of methamphetamine use in Eastern Nigeria, presents an empirical account of a methamphetamine user, and synthesizes the available evidence, showing the factors facilitating its use. Available evidence shows that drug trafficking and illegal laboratories are the two main factors encouraging current methamphetamine availability and use in Eastern Nigeria. The NDLEA has discovered illegal laboratories where methamphetamine is produced in Enugu and Asaba. These laboratories were established by drug barons from Eastern Nigeria and their foreign counterparts. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that these local laboratories have largely contributed to the growing methamphetamine epidemic. Media reports indicate that youth organizations and vigilante groups apply corporal punishment by flogging identified users in public but do not highlight how effective this sanction is. While empirical data show that weight control motivates methamphetamine use, the grey literature has blamed youth unemployment. There is an urgent need to conduct empirical research to determine methamphetamine prevalence, the sources, motivations for use, and consequences in Eastern Nigeria. This will facilitate the design of effective interventions to reduce the growing trend. Efforts to discover and dismantle illegal laboratories should not only focus on cities because laboratories set up to evade detection may exist in rural settings. It is vital that the government work with all stakeholders to increase public awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine use in Nigeria and develop mechanisms to support addiction treatment and rehabilitation to prevent social stigma users may face.","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46516882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jason Paltzer, C. Okafor, B. Chiluba, Keyanna P. Taylor
This study investigated potential differences in rural and urban alcohol expenditures and the relationship between alcohol and food insecurity. The 2015 Zambia Living Conditions Monitoring Survey was used with a sample of 12,260 households. Bivariate analyses and logistical regression evaluated the differences in rural/urban alcohol preferences and the relationship between alcohol and food insecurity. Traditional brew consumption was found to be significantly higher in rural areas (p<0.001). Rural households with alcohol expenditures had 23 percent lower odds (OR: 0.770, p<0.01) of eating three or more meals a day compared to households without alcohol expenditures. Rural characteristics around alcohol consumption need to be taken into consideration when determining food security and nutrition policies. Alcohol assessments and services should be adapted to rural conditions in Zambia to increase the effectiveness of prevention programs.
{"title":"Cross-sectional study of alcohol preferences and expenditures on food insecurity between urban and rural settings in Zambia","authors":"Jason Paltzer, C. Okafor, B. Chiluba, Keyanna P. Taylor","doi":"10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.4","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated potential differences in rural and urban alcohol expenditures and the relationship between alcohol and food insecurity. The 2015 Zambia Living Conditions Monitoring Survey was used with a sample of 12,260 households. Bivariate analyses and logistical regression evaluated the differences in rural/urban alcohol preferences and the relationship between alcohol and food insecurity. Traditional brew consumption was found to be significantly higher in rural areas (p<0.001). Rural households with alcohol expenditures had 23 percent lower odds (OR: 0.770, p<0.01) of eating three or more meals a day compared to households without alcohol expenditures. Rural characteristics around alcohol consumption need to be taken into consideration when determining food security and nutrition policies. Alcohol assessments and services should be adapted to rural conditions in Zambia to increase the effectiveness of prevention programs.","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41370251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The epidemic of COVID-19 has become a major public health challenge globally. There are concerns that an increased number of individuals who abuse substances could encounter greater risks of experiencing the effects of COVID-19. The present paper reviews the potential health risks that can be associated with using the commonly abused stimulant plant, khat and associated substances during the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature indicates that khat chewing, as practiced by most chewers, can facilitate SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission and spread. Chewers with compromised health due to khat could be at greater risks of being affected by COVID-19, and these effects may include worsening of respiratory, cardiovascular, CNS, renal, gastrointestinal, hepatic, hemostatic and immune dysfunctions. Furthermore, tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking in association with khat use has the potential to intensify most of these disorders. The review suggests that healthcare providers and khat chewers should take appropriate precautionary measures when khat and/or the associated substances are used during COVID-19 epidemic. The research community should also conduct further studies to provide additional and more specific information on the topic.
{"title":"Use of Khat and associated substances during COVID-19 pandemic: Potential adverse consequences","authors":"W. Abebe","doi":"10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/ajdas.v20i1.5","url":null,"abstract":"The epidemic of COVID-19 has become a major public health challenge globally. There are concerns that an increased number of individuals who abuse substances could encounter greater risks of experiencing the effects of COVID-19. The present paper reviews the potential health risks that can be associated with using the commonly abused stimulant plant, khat and associated substances during the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature indicates that khat chewing, as practiced by most chewers, can facilitate SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission and spread. Chewers with compromised health due to khat could be at greater risks of being affected by COVID-19, and these effects may include worsening of respiratory, cardiovascular, CNS, renal, gastrointestinal, hepatic, hemostatic and immune dysfunctions. Furthermore, tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking in association with khat use has the potential to intensify most of these disorders. The review suggests that healthcare providers and khat chewers should take appropriate precautionary measures when khat and/or the associated substances are used during COVID-19 epidemic. The research community should also conduct further studies to provide additional and more specific information on the topic.","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42097864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The vast majority of studies that examine the drug-recidivism nexus are generally found in the Western literature, while the scholarship has received comparatvely far less atenton in Nigeria, despite its pervasiveness. This gap in knowledge calls for frst, a theoretcal discourse, and later, data-based studies on the interplay between substance use and recidivism. Guided by sociological criminology perspectve, we applied multdisciplinary approach (i.e. an integraton of economic, psychosocial, sociological, medical/physiological and criminological thoughts, concepts, variables, constructs, models, and theories) to examine the problem. From the review, it was found that illicit substance use inhibits the pathways to criminal desistance (aging out of crime) and heightens the trajectories to criminal persistence (recidivism). That is, it amplifes the tendency for individuals to take a long career in crime and at the same tme causes them to persist in crime to get money to sustain their drug culture. This shows that the outcome of drug-recidivism interactons is mixed or perhaps unclear in terms of a partcular variable that signifcantly infuence the occurrence of the other. It is therefore, suggested that further studies in Nigeria be focused on developing a more robust methodologies and survey instruments for generatng quanttatve or qualitatve data, or a combinaton of both methods. The aim is bidirectonal: frstly, is to establish a more scientfc basis for a clearer understanding of the two variables for accurate predictons and generalisaton. Secondly, it stands to direct the paths to formulatng treatmentbased (against the widespread punishment-oriented) policy and practce on drugs and recidivism, with primary focus on legal, social, economic, medical/physiological and psychological harm reducton as well as prison decongeston.Keywords: Drugs, Nexus, Recidivism, Nigeria, Sociological Criminology Perspectve
{"title":"Drug-recidivism nexus in Nigeria: A sociological criminology perspective","authors":"M. U. Nnam, J. Chukwu, James Edem Efong, G. Ordu","doi":"10.4314/AJDAS.V17I1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/AJDAS.V17I1","url":null,"abstract":"The vast majority of studies that examine the drug-recidivism nexus are generally found in the Western literature, while the scholarship has received comparatvely far less atenton in Nigeria, despite its pervasiveness. This gap in knowledge calls for frst, a theoretcal discourse, and later, data-based studies on the interplay between substance use and recidivism. Guided by sociological criminology perspectve, we applied multdisciplinary approach (i.e. an integraton of economic, psychosocial, sociological, medical/physiological and criminological thoughts, concepts, variables, constructs, models, and theories) to examine the problem. From the review, it was found that illicit substance use inhibits the pathways to criminal desistance (aging out of crime) and heightens the trajectories to criminal persistence (recidivism). That is, it amplifes the tendency for individuals to take a long career in crime and at the same tme causes them to persist in crime to get money to sustain their drug culture. This shows that the outcome of drug-recidivism interactons is mixed or perhaps unclear in terms of a partcular variable that signifcantly infuence the occurrence of the other. It is therefore, suggested that further studies in Nigeria be focused on developing a more robust methodologies and survey instruments for generatng quanttatve or qualitatve data, or a combinaton of both methods. The aim is bidirectonal: frstly, is to establish a more scientfc basis for a clearer understanding of the two variables for accurate predictons and generalisaton. Secondly, it stands to direct the paths to formulatng treatmentbased (against the widespread punishment-oriented) policy and practce on drugs and recidivism, with primary focus on legal, social, economic, medical/physiological and psychological harm reducton as well as prison decongeston.Keywords: Drugs, Nexus, Recidivism, Nigeria, Sociological Criminology Perspectve","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70449319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
V. Ucheagwu, Rita N. Ugwokwe-Ossai, Paul D. Okoli, Jesse P. Ossai
The present study examined some neuropsychological profiles of cannabis dependent users on long abstinence in Nigeria. Ninety participants were recruited for the study. Their ages ranged from 27 – 35 years with a mean age of 30.78. Five neuropsychological instruments were used for the study: Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT), Digit Symbol Modality Test (DSMT), Trail Making Tests A & B (TMT – A/B), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and Rivermead Post Concussion Syndrome questionnaire (RPC). The findings of the study showed significant differences on verbal learning; RAVLT Trial 5: F(2,81) = 15.20, RAVLT Total Trial: F(2,81) = 11.06, Delayed verbal memory, F(2,81) = 10.94 all at P ≤ 0.05 level of testing with cannabis users performing worse than the psychiatric and healthy controls. Significant differences were also seen on processing speed: DSMT: F(2,81) = 3.53 with cannabis users performing worse than the healthy control but better than the psychiatric group. Drug users had significant less performance than the healthy control on TMT A; F(2,81) = 8.04 and TMT B; F(2,81) = 7.41 as measures of executive function. Also, drug users had significant worse complaints of somatic, cognitive and emotional symptoms following brain injury as measured by RPC; F(2,81) = 7.11 all at P ≤ 0.05 level of testing. Discussions of the study was based upon long term effects of cannabis use on neuro-cognition even after prolonged abstinence and reasons for the mixed findings surrounding this area of study. Implications of the study were also examined.Keywords: Neuro-cognition, Cannabis Users, Abstinence, Processing Speed, Memory
{"title":"Some neuropsychological profiles of cannabis dependent users on long-term abstinence in a rehabilitation centre in Nigeria","authors":"V. Ucheagwu, Rita N. Ugwokwe-Ossai, Paul D. Okoli, Jesse P. Ossai","doi":"10.4314/AJDAS.V17I2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/AJDAS.V17I2","url":null,"abstract":"The present study examined some neuropsychological profiles of cannabis dependent users on long abstinence in Nigeria. Ninety participants were recruited for the study. Their ages ranged from 27 – 35 years with a mean age of 30.78. Five neuropsychological instruments were used for the study: Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT), Digit Symbol Modality Test (DSMT), Trail Making Tests A & B (TMT – A/B), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and Rivermead Post Concussion Syndrome questionnaire (RPC). The findings of the study showed significant differences on verbal learning; RAVLT Trial 5: F(2,81) = 15.20, RAVLT Total Trial: F(2,81) = 11.06, Delayed verbal memory, F(2,81) = 10.94 all at P ≤ 0.05 level of testing with cannabis users performing worse than the psychiatric and healthy controls. Significant differences were also seen on processing speed: DSMT: F(2,81) = 3.53 with cannabis users performing worse than the healthy control but better than the psychiatric group. Drug users had significant less performance than the healthy control on TMT A; F(2,81) = 8.04 and TMT B; F(2,81) = 7.41 as measures of executive function. Also, drug users had significant worse complaints of somatic, cognitive and emotional symptoms following brain injury as measured by RPC; F(2,81) = 7.11 all at P ≤ 0.05 level of testing. Discussions of the study was based upon long term effects of cannabis use on neuro-cognition even after prolonged abstinence and reasons for the mixed findings surrounding this area of study. Implications of the study were also examined.Keywords: Neuro-cognition, Cannabis Users, Abstinence, Processing Speed, Memory","PeriodicalId":39196,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70449348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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