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The attitude of attorneys toward substance users and referral of offenders for drug treatment in southern Nigeria.
- Source :
- Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy; Apr2022, Vol. 29 Issue 2, p192-197, 6p
- Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- This study describes attorney's attitudes towards substance use, offenders with drug problems and referral for treatment in Nigeria. It is a cross-sectional descriptive survey conducted among 70 attorneys in Benin City, Nigeria. Participants drawn by both convenience sampling and snowballing approach filled a paper questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data, questions on drug dependence and the law relating to it, and the modified substance use scale. A greater proportion of the attorney (69.4%) correctly identified that intoxication can be used as a defence in a criminal charge while fewer (10.0%) opined dependence was a medical (psychiatric) problem. The majority (85.7%) opined that cannabis should not be legalized and viewed alcohol as dangerous and destructive to the youth of a country if not controlled by law (84.3%). Though few (16.2%) believed that medical intervention alone will suffice for drug addiction, many (84.3%) opined that the best way to treat alcohol or drug-dependent people is to refer them to a good treatment program. Nigerian Lawyers demonstrated a mixture of negative/positive attitudes towards drug users and correct/incorrect knowledge on the law regulating drug-related offence. While drug education of legal professionals is recommended, recognition of the potential roles played in treatment referral should be reinforced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09687637
- Volume :
- 29
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 156521702
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2021.1901856