Abstract

Background: Substance use is rapidly changing in trends and patterns with particular concerns over increased global use, early onset use, polysubstance patterns, and new psychoactive substances. In Nigeria, limited data exist on clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of individuals in custodial rehabilitation settings. This study describes the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients undergoing rehabilitation at a custodial facility in Ibadan, Nigeria.
Methods: A retrospective review of case records of 110 patients admitted to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) rehabilitation centre, Oyo State, over a 10-year period was conducted. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, substance use history and patterns were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Participants had a mean age of 28.7 years, with most aged 21–30 years (60.0%). The participants were predominantly male (97.3%), single (80.9%), Yoruba (86.4%), and unemployed (53.6%). Mean age at initiation of substance use was 18.8 years, with 67.3% starting before age 20. Cannabis was the most common primary substance (45.5%), followed by alcohol (17.3%), synthetic cannabis (14.5%), and tobacco (10.0%). Most participants were polysubstance users (88.2%), with 64.9% using three or more substances. Most participants were introduced to substance use by friends or relatives (73.6%). Comorbid psychosis was present in 52.7% of cases, while 97.3% used non-injecting routes.
Conclusion: The study highlights early onset, high polysubstance use, and significant psychiatric comorbidity among individuals in custodial rehabilitation. Findings underscore the need for early prevention strategies, integrated mental health care, and strengthened rehabilitation services in Nigeria.

Key words: Substance use, Polysubstance use, NDLEA, Custodial rehabilitation