Writing By Daniel Karlmax; Editing By Godwin Duru
An addiction recovery coach, Mr. Andrew Dodo, has urged the public to show kindness and understanding toward people with substance use disorders as part of psychosocial support needed for their smooth reintegration into society.
Mr. Dodo, who is also the Director and Founder of Hope De-Addiction Substance Abuse and Recovery Centre, Karji, Kaduna, made this known during a community engagement programme and a step-by-step recovery session known as an Alcoholics Anonymous A.A meeting at the centre in Kaduna.
He emphasized that people suffering from substance use disorders are sick and deserve care and attention, just like those battling illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and hepatitis.
According to Mr. Dodo, the use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs, has negative health consequences on users, their families, and society at large.
He therefore stressed the need for relatives and friends to show love, care, and seek professional help for affected persons to enable full recovery and reintegration into society.
The recovery coach maintained that recovery is absolutely possible, noting that substance use disorder is recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Mr. Dodo explained that the weekly programmes are designed to provide assistance to individuals in dire need of recovery from substance use disorders, with the aim of improving their well-being for socioeconomic growth and development.
He identified the recovery pathways at the centre to include the 12-step anonymous meetings, peer recovery support programmes, anger management classes, relapse prevention services, trauma-informed care, and community engagement programmes, among others.
“Alcoholics Anonymous A.A meeting is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength, and hope with one another so that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism,” he said.
He added that the centre is transitioning from outpatient services to accommodating patients within the facility for a period of two to three months.
According to Mr. Dodo, the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using drugs, alcohol, and other substances.
Mr. Dodo further disclosed that a special method known as the Minnesota Model, which involves different recovery steps, is employed using motivational interviewing strategies.
The director, who is also a former recovering addict, affirmed that the 12-step recovery model has worked in many countries around the world and can also work in Nigeria if given the necessary attention by those affected.
According to him, accepting and understanding one’s powerlessness over addiction—which has made life unmanageable—is the first step toward recovery.
He also noted the importance of recognizing that a power greater than oneself can restore sanity, alongside making a conscious decision to surrender completely to the care and will of God.
Mr. Dodo advised relatives of addicts suffering from co-dependency to seek appropriate help and explore other support options to avoid worsening situations such as insanity or premature death resulting from alcohol- or drug-related complications.
Some recovering addicts, including Haruna Dauda and Eunice John, who have undergone rehabilitation at the centre, said they are now fully reintegrated into society and are helping others recover through the same process.
According to them, many individuals have returned to school, resumed their jobs, and some have even travelled abroad to pursue their life ambitions after completing rehabilitation at the centre.
Daniel Karlmax
