Substance use and behavioral addiction patterns

Treatment outcomes among patients admitted to an addiction treatment and rehabilitation center in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Abstract

 Substance use and behavioral addiction disorders, pose significant public health challenges. This study investigated the association between drug use and pathological gambling patterns and treatment outcomes among 80 patients admitted to the Drug Addiction Treatment, Education, and Rehabilitation (DATER) unit of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of case files revealed that the majority of participants were male (76.3%), unmarried (68.8%), and polysubstance users (44.3%). Opiates, alcohol, and cannabis were the most frequently abused substances, with three cases of behavioral addiction specifically related to gambling. Half of the participants had comorbid conditions, and 93.8% reported impairment. Treatment completion rates were high (86.3%), but follow-up adherence was low (28.7%). No significant differences were found in sociodemographic or clinical variables between completers and non-completers. However, a significant inverse relationship was observed between treatment completion and poor follow-up adherence. The study highlights the complexity of managing SUDs, particularly among polysubstance users, and underscores the importance of integrated treatment approaches. While treatment completion was high, the low follow-up adherence suggests a critical gap, necessitating robust aftercare strategies. Future research should focus on understanding factors that promote long term engagement and sustained recovery in addiction treatment.