In Nigeria today, addiction is on the rise and a lot of the addicts seem to be tired of the substance but do not have the willpower to stop.

Here a few tips to stop smoking using the START strategy

S =Set a Quit Date

Choose a date within the next two weeks, so you have enough time to prepare without losing your motivation to quit. If you mainly smoke at work, quit on the weekend, so you have a few days to adjust the change.

T = Tell family, friends and co-workers that you plan to quit

Let your friends and family in on your plan to quit smoking and tell them you need their support and encouragement to stop. Look for a quit buddy who wants to stop smoking as well. You can help eeach other get through the rough times.

A = Anticipate and plan for the challenges you'll face while quitting.

Most people who begin smoking again do so within the first three months. You can help yourself make it through by preparing ahead for common challenges, such as nicotine withdrawal and cigarette cravings.

R = Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home, car and work.

Throw away all of your cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, and matches. Wash your clothes and freshen up anything that smells like smoke. Shampoo your car, clean your drapes and carpet andd steam your furniture.

T= Talk to your mental health team about getting help to quit
Your mental health doctor can prescribe medication to help with withdrawal symptoms. If you can't see a doctor, you can get many products over the counter at your local pharmacy, including nicotine patches, lozenges and gum.

If you experience difficulty keeping up with the START strategies, you can speak to the Synapse Services Mental health team.
You can visit their website at https://www.synapseservices.org for more information.

Drug addiction is one of the major health challenges across the globe. The rate at which Nigerian youths engage in drug, especially among the abandoned children is gradually becoming increasing, and thereby affecting the economic and national development. Addiction is a negative health behaviour of people that has ability to threaten the total wellness.
With the increase of drug addiction amongst the youth in abuja, it is worthy of note that some rehabilitation centers are mentioned. I had a friend who was asking about rehabilitation centers in Abuja and I thought it might be helpful to share it here with anyone who might need such information.

Here are some of the best Rehabilitation centres in Abuja with certified psychologists and psychiatrists.

Synapse Services Abuja

Synapse Services has provided well over Eight years of high-quality specialist mental health care services in Nigeria. It is the largest provider
of private mental health care services in West Africa with a combined bed of over 110 beds spaces. It is an outcome-driven service.
Synapse Services is Located in the heart of Abuja, Utako; Synapse Services has been in operation for over a decade. Over the years they have expanded across Nigeria with branches now in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, etc. Their services include

Substance misuse services/addiction services/addiction
child and adolescent mental health
Eating disorders
Personality Disorders
Neuropsychiatry
Deafness and mental health services
Learning Disabilities
ADHD
Autistic spectrum disorders

https://www.synapseservices.org

Oleaster Recovery Centre
The Oleaster Wellbeing & Recovery
The Oleaster is a behavioral health centre in Abuja, they provide a holistic treatment approach needed to fight addiction and other mental health issues. They have a team of expert psychologists and psychiatric. They provide comfortable rehabilitation service for individuals struggling with any form of addiction.
Their service include: addiction management,Neuropsychiatry,sleep management therapy, learning disorders, personality disorders management and a wide range of psychiatric disorders.

https://theoleaster.com/

Olive Prime Psychological Service

The Olive prime psychological service is located in Jabi, they provide a structured programme for psychological wellbeing. They offer a wide range of services which include. Drug screening, addiction management, child and adult psychology, rehabilitation, art therapy, rtms etc.
The Olive Prime hopes to create a lively center that is geared towards providing intensive and multidisciplinary approach to care. The focus of this coordinated rehabilitation program is to assist patients to achieve optimal level of functioning and develop refined life skills necessary to resume life roles and full participation in what makes life meaningful. They have branches in Abuja and Lagos.
https://www.theoliveprime.com