Family-Based Intervention Strategies and Substance use Disorders among the Youths in Selected Rehabilitation Centers in Nairobi, Kenya

This study investigated the influence of family-based interventions strategies and substance use disorders among the youth in the rehabilitation centres in Nairobi, Kenya. The study was guided by the family structure theory. The research approach was qualitative and phenomenological design was used. The target population was 303 youth in selected rehabilitation centers in Nairobi County, aged between 18-35 years and their parents. A sample of 12 clients who had stayed in rehabilitation centers for the longest time were purposively selected in order to provide qualitative data. Similarly, 12 parents were conveniently selected in order to provide the same data. Therefore, the total sample size comprised of 24 respondents. The qualitative data collected through interviews was analyzed thematically backed by narratives from respondents. The study found out different family-based intervention strategies utilized. These included counselling, prayer, corporal punishment and keeping youths busy. The study recommended that, the home and hence the family creates the first contact for the child in this world. The home environment needs to be right, such that the youth will not want to look outside the family circles for emotional support. Communication channels should be open and free flowing. The parents should also be careful what kind of examples they set for their youth. They should be good role models themselves. Parenting is a natural occurrence but with the current serious parenting problems, the parents need to be empowered to be able to steer their children in the right direction so as not to go the direction of substance use disorders.