ABSTRACT
Drug addiction is one of the worst global pestilence that affects virtually all sectors of society in the world. This assumed an alarming proportion particularly in the developing countries like Nigeria whereby young people at their tender age regardless of their social, economic, religious or ethnic background are delved into drugs and substance abuse. Continuous abuse of drugs lead to addiction which distorts and changes the structure of the human brain hence erodes person's self control, ability of making sound decisions and accompanying many medical issues such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, mental disorders and so on. The widespread of this menace triggered the government to the creation of agencies to fight drug peddlers and treatment centres for rehabilitation of the infected ones. However, these treatment centres 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 addicts centre design through systematic arrangement functions, connection to nature, adopting courtyard system, employing colour therapy and artworks on walls. For the purpose of this study, visual survey, observation checklists and structured interview were used as instruments of data collection. The raw data collected were arranged and organised in more compacted forms using tables and charts. The major findings are that therapeutic techniques that play important role in inducing healing process of the addicts for effective and holistic treatment are not yet employed in the centres that were considered as case studies, there is no provision for outpatients unit, the centres admit both males and females, but no provision for female accommodation. However, there is also no provision for out door recreational activities. One of the contributions to knowledge of this study is that integrating therapeutic techniques such as use of soft lanscape elements to enhance connection with natural environment,use balcony vii plantings, use of artificial water body, use court yard system and stack effect to enhance the indoor air quality, use of brighter colours and inspiring artworks on walls, and also provision of recreational facilities. etc contribute to the stay of the addicts as such, stimulates their healing process and well being. Finally, some of the recommendations made are that (i) the government should provide more treatment facilities that will help in mitigating this menace of drug abuse and also emphasise on making the centres more supportive and therapeutic by the application of therapeutic techniques.(ii) there is need for architects to make it of paramount importance to incorporate therapeutic principles in the design of rehabilitation centres and other relevant facilities in order to enhance the confinement of the drug addicts as well as the staff for their well being (iii) the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should collaborate with other stakeholders such as religious institutions and nongovernmental organizations to be counseling the society on issues of drug abuse and addiction.
