Application of Therapeutic Architectural Principles in the Design of Drug Rehabilitation Centre for Nigeria

In order to achieve lifetime abstinence from illicit drugs and psychoactive substances, drug de-addiction and rehabilitation now endeavors to provide emotional support along with medical care, rather than aiming at removal of physical dependences on drugs only. When a drug addict is released from a Detention Camp, he/she is reintegrated back to the society as liability with high temptation to relapse, due to the ineffectiveness of the detention strategy and gross inadequacy of drug treatment and rehabilitation services in Nigeria, as Programs like Detoxification, Psychotherapy and Meditation are absent. The purpose of this study therefore is to explore the principles of therapeutic architecture towards designing a therapeutic environment, with a view to support the new treatment trend for drug addicts and thugs in Bauchi state- Nigeria. The method applied in this study is basically qualitative, using Multiple Case Study approach. Cross Case Analysis was used to analyze the data collected. This study identified 12 principles of Therapeutic Architecture and was able to determine the best mode of application for the design of the Rehabilitation Centre. The findings of this study showcase Architecture in aiding therapy for drug addicts and thugs, by creating a therapeutic environment that addresses the problem of relapse and inadequacy of the treatment facility in the study area, which ensures reintegration of addicts back to the society within the shortest possible time with minimal professional intervention.