The Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Benin City, has taken a significant step toward improving mental health care delivery and substance abuse treatment with the successful organization of a three-day intensive capacity-building training on substance use assessment and counseling for its clinical staff.
Held from Wednesday, 18th to Friday, 20th June 2025, at the Review Room, DATER Phase I, Uselu site, the training was targeted at enhancing the knowledge and practical skills of nurses, clinical psychologists, and occupational therapists in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of substance use disorders.
The training programme emphasized evidence-based approaches in the identification, screening, and counseling of patients with substance use issues, aligning with global best practices in mental health care and addiction treatment. Participants were introduced to internationally validated screening tools, including:
Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST)
CAGE Questionnaire
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)
TWEAK Screening Tool
These tools are critical in the early detection of alcohol and drug abuse, allowing for more informed clinical decision-making and effective patient-centered interventions.
The workshop was facilitated by a team of experienced mental health professionals: Dr. J.O. Ariyo and Miss V.E. Efiong, both Clinical Psychologists, and Dr. S. Ekakitie, a Consultant Psychiatrist. Their sessions covered comprehensive strategies for engaging patients therapeutically, fostering recovery, and improving treatment outcomes.
Participants commended the initiative, describing the training as impactful and timely, especially as substance use disorders continue to pose growing challenges to public health. They pledged to integrate the newly acquired knowledge and skills into their clinical duties, thereby enhancing the hospital’s overall capacity in handling drug addiction and mental health disorders.
