Drug addiction and marital conflicts: Exploring the experiences of drug-addicted wives in Abuja, Nigeria

Recent studies have shown that women now abuse drugs as much as men. Women even abuse certain kinds of drugs more than men. There is strong evidence that some married women also engage in drug abuse. However, few studies have explored the experiences of drug addicted wives in Nigeria in relation to marital conflicts. In this study, the experiences of drug addicted wives were explored in relation to marital conflicts in Nigeria using a phenomenological research design. A total of 18 married women participated in the study. They were purposively selected from a socially disadvantaged neighborhood of Batcher Estate, Gwarinpa, Abuja, Nigeria. In-depth interviews (IDI) were used to collect data from the participants. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Two major conclusions were drawn from the study. Drug addiction may cause marital conflicts and vice versa. However, wives abusing drugs without the consent of partners or husbands were more likely to report marital conflicts than those abusing drugs with their partners' consent. Two groups of drug abusers were also discovered: those who were initiated into drug abuse/addiction prior to marriage and those who started taking drugs after marriage. Factors influencing drug abuse/addiction were complex and comprised a combination of psycho-social and environmental issues. Access to substance-use disorder (SUD) treatment was, however, impeded by poor knowledge, stigma and shame. Improved access to treatment is an important asset in minimizing drug abuse among married women and its impact on marital conflicts.