Impact of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Drug Abuse Reduction Among NDLEA Rehabilitation Clients in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Drug abuse remains a significant public health and psychosocial challenge globally, with Nigeria experiencing an increasing burden, particularly among youths and young adults. The growing prevalence of substance use disorders has necessitated the adoption of evidence-based psychological interventions to enhance rehabilitation outcomes. This study investigated the impact of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on drug abuse reduction among clients in National Drug Law Enforcement Agency rehabilitation centers in the Federal Capital Territory , Abuja, Nigeria. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design involving pre-test and post-test control groups. Participants were drawn from NDLEA rehabilitation centers and were exposed to REBT and CBT interventions over a specified treatment period, while a control group received no structured psychological intervention. Data were collected using a standardized instrument designed to measure drug abuse behavior and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Covariance at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that both REBT and CBT were effective in reducing drug abuse tendencies among rehabilitation clients when compared with the control group. However, CBT demonstrated slightly greater effectiveness in enhancing behavioral regulation and relapse prevention, while REBT was more effective in modifying irrational beliefs and emotional responses associated with substance use. The study concludes that both REBT and CBT are effective therapeutic approaches for drug abuse reduction among NDLEA rehabilitation clients. The study recommends the integration of REBT and CBT into standard rehabilitation programs within NDLEA centers to promote sustainable recovery, reduce relapse rates, and improve psychological well-being among individuals with substance use disorders.

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