Abstract
Abstract:

Background: Substance abuse is a global problem and a significant public health issue, with associated health, social, and economic consequences. The types of substances and patterns of abuse, however, vary by region and over time.

Aim: This study aims to determine the pattern of substance use among clients at a rehabilitation center, focusing on their sociodemographic profiles and the types of substances abused.

Methods: All clients who consented to treatment at the Substance Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Vom between 2007 and 2011 were consecutively recruited. Each participant underwent a standard psychiatric interview, and their substance use information was recorded. They were further assessed using the Treatnet Addiction Severity Index (ASI), MMPI-2, and urine toxicology to identify the types of substances used, along with other laboratory investigations. Diagnoses were made based on information gathered from interviews and clinical investigations throughout the treatment duration, according to ICD-10 (RDC).

Results: A total of 345 clients were treated, with a predominance of males (333, 96.5%). Most clients were single (288, 83.5%) and Christian (320, 92.8%). All clients had some form of formal education, with 214 (62.0%) educated beyond secondary school. The majority were unemployed (247, 71.6%), followed by students (164, 47.5%). The mean age of onset of substance use was 18.1 ± 6.3 years, and the mean age of the sample was 29.7 ± 9.3 years, with the majority (193, 56.0%) falling within the age group of [insert age range].

Keywords: substance abuse, sociodemographic profile, rehabilitation, public health, Nigeria

Key words: Key words: Pattern, substance abuse,clients.