INTEGRATING THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES IN THE DESIGN OF A DRUG REHABILITATION CENTER IN BAYELSA

John Ockiya

Department of Architecture,

Rivers State University, Port-Harcourt.

johnockiya@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Drug addiction is one of the worst global pestilence that affects virtually all sectors of society in the world. The widespread of this menace triggered the creation of agencies to fight drug peddlers and treatment centers for rehabilitation of the infected ones. However, these treatment centers were created focusing primarily on detention approach of treatment instead of medication and mind abstinence, neglecting the patients’ mental, psychological, social, and spiritual needs, which are the important ingredients that contribute towards achieving effective treatment. This study aimed to integrate therapeutic techniques in drug rehabilitation centre design For the purpose of this study, visual survey, observation checklists and structured interview were used as instruments of data collection. The design is intended to provide a model for a responsive drug rehabilitation center that facilitates drug addicts’ recovery.  It was recommended that the government should provide more treatment facilities that will help in drug abuse and also emphasize on making the centers more supportive and therapeutic and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) should collaborate with other stakeholders such as religious institutions and nongovernmental organizations to  counsel the society on issues of drug abuse.

Key words; Rehabilitation centre, Design, Drugs, therapeutic techniques, Integration