Culturally Responsive Social Work Practice for Youth Substance Use Rehabilitation in Ghana and Nigeria

This study examines how cultural factors shape youth substance use behaviors in Ghana and Nigeria, given that social work practice functions most effectively when aligned with cultural norms, yet professionals currently lack evidence-based capacity to engage clients within these cultural contexts. A cross-sectional study was conducted across six rehabilitation centers in Ghana and Nigeria involving 332 purposefully selected clients aged 14 to 54 years. Guided by cultural stress theory and socio-ecological theory, data were collected using semi-structured interviews and standardized questionnaires, with quantitative analyses including independent t-tests and two-way analysis of variance. Cannabis, tramadol, codeine, and tobacco were the most commonly used substances. The cultural environment significantly influenced youth behavior toward substance use, with access to locally cultivated cannabis and cultural permissiveness emerging as major predictors. Family and maternal influence significantly impacted treatment decisions, while 72% of participants reported a lack of culturally responsive interventions by social workers. Culturally relevant prevention and treatment factors—including family involvement, community-based interventions, religious and spiritual support, peer mentorship, and integration of indigenous healing systems with modern therapy—were identified. Policy alignment and needs-based training are recommended to enhance culturally adaptive rehabilitation strategies and improve youth outcomes in West Africa.