Jos:Families of individuals undergoing treatment for substance abuse in Plateau have expressed concern over the high costs of private rehabilitation centers.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, families revealed in interviews that these centers charge between N300,000 and N365,000 monthly. The financial strain is exacerbated by the requirement for patients to stay in rehabilitation for three to twelve months, based on the severity of their condition.
Mrs. Lucy Pam, a relative of a patient, highlighted the significant financial sacrifices her family is making to afford the treatment, which is challenging to sustain alongside other household obligations. She urged the government and relevant organizations to offer more affordable rehabilitation options for those struggling with substance abuse disorders.
Similarly, Mr. Yemi Oladeji pointed out that the financial burden might deter some families from seeking necessary professional help or force them to halt treatment before full recovery. He called for more government intervention to make treatment accessible to those unable to afford private facilities.
Clinical psychologist Mrs. Ijeoma Laluwoye advised against abandoning treatment due to cost, warning that discontinuing prematurely could negate progress and increase relapse risk. She encouraged families to communicate their financial challenges with providers and explore affordable alternatives.
Laluwoye explained that rehabilitation duration varies based on factors like substance type, usage duration, and patient response. She emphasized the importance of consistent treatment, professional supervision, and family support.
She also highlighted the negative impact of stigma on treatment-seeking behavior and called for increased investment in affordable rehabilitation services. Stronger collaboration among families, health professionals, government agencies, and rehabilitation centers is essential to improve recovery outcomes.
Finally, Laluwoye urged families to seek early professional intervention at the first signs of substance abuse to prevent escalation and higher costs.