Assessment of Community Pharmacists’ Involvement in the Rehabilitation of Drug Abuse Victims in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Drug abuse has now become a major public health problem in Nigeria requiring urgent attention. Although drug abuse cut across all age groups, the youths are however the most affected. This study aimed at assessing Community Pharmacists involvement in the rehabilitation of drug abuse victims. The study was carried out in Abuja Municipal Area Council, questionnaires were administered to Community Pharmacists practicing within the Area Council. A total of 176 Community Pharmacists participated in the study, and slightly above a quarter (27.43%) of them had post-graduate degrees. More than three-quarters (79.5%) of the study participants had received training on drug abuse. A total of 89.2% of the study participants had come across persons suspected to be abusing prescription medicines. Almost all (96.6%) of the study participants indicated that they are willing to advise persons suspected to be abusing drugs on the dangers of drug abuse, and 88.1% of the study participants had spoken to clients concerning abuse of prescription medicines. Also, more than three-quarters (80.1%) of the study participants indicated that pharmacists' role in the prevention of drug abuse is very important. The study has revealed that Community Pharmacists can play an invaluable role in the rehabilitation of drug abuse victims in Nigeria.