Substance Use and Addiction among IDPs in Benue state: Health Impacts and Social Work Responses

In Nigeria, specifically within the state of Benue, the situation for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) is compounded by vulnerability to drug use and addiction resulting from conflict between farmers and herders, trauma, lack of financial resources, and lack of availability of mental health services. Subsequently, this situation makes physical health conditions worse, increases mental factors like PTSD and depression, and triggers instability within social cohesion. The study examines the impact of substance use on the physical well-being of IDPs within Benue State, Nigeria, and evaluates the efficacy of social work strategies for mitigating this impact. Collecting survey data using the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10), structured interviews, and analysis of 30-person narratives obtained both from social workers and IDPs, using thematic analysis supported by quantitative analysis provided by SPSS analysis, showed that a minimum of 28% of IDPs experience moderate to severe addiction to cannabis and alcohol, translating to a 40% rise in PTSD and chronic illnesses. Social work strategies like offering counseling and support programs ensured a 35% decline in relapse among IDPs. Social work practice implication for drug-addicted IDPs includes addressing trauma and lack of mental health services by offering programs within the community at the humanitarian level, advocating for construction of more rehabilitation homes for IDPs, and advocating for collaborative research for enhanced well-being within humanitarian settings.