Lived experiences of former drug abusers during their rehabilitation process at Chainama Hills hospital.
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Date
2025
Authors
Mukumwa, Julie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
One of the most serious health problems affecting people of all age groups, especially young people, today is drug abuse. Considering the effects of drug use on individuals who use drugs, efforts are being made to improve the rehabilitation of drug users in Zambia. However, in Zambia, there is a lack of comprehensive research and data on the lived experiences of individuals struggling with drug use. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of former drug users during their rehabilitation process at Chainama Hills Hospital. A qualitative phenomenological study design was used and data was collected through in-depth interviews with former drug abusers at Chainama Hills Hospital. Twenty-five participants of
both sexes aged 18 years and above took part in the in-depth interviews, which were determined through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used using both inductive and deductive approach. The study identified two themes and twenty sub-themes. The first theme was Facilitators to Recovery which encompassed treatment, psycho-emotive support (counselling and medication), familial and social support (including desire to repair relationships, and spiritual support), and personal factors (avoiding triggers, changing habits, and self-improvement), while Barriers to Recovery theme included personal struggles (dietary, cravings, stigma, and withdrawal), familial and social challenges (peer influence and loneliness), treatment-related obstacles (confinement and medication issues), and facility-related difficulties (shared wards and poor conditions). Recovery from drug abuse is influenced by a combination of treatment access, social and spiritual support, and personal factor, while factors such as stigma, cravings, poor facility conditions, and lack of social support affect recovery. These findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach to treatment, encompassing medical, psychological, social, and personal dimensions.
Key Terms: Drug Abuse, Drug Rehabilitation, Recover.
Description
Thesis of Master of Public Health in Health Promotion and Education.