Substance abuse remains one of the most pressing yet misunderstood public health challenges in Nigeria. For many, addiction is still viewed through the lens of shame, morality, or personal weakness rather than as a complex health condition requiring compassionate care and professional treatment. In this interview with LYDIA ENYIDIYA EKE, Olakunbi “Kunbi” Oyedele, a Licensed Clinical Professional counselor, Certified Drug Counselor, and ADHD-Certified Clinical Services provider, speaks about her journey into trauma and addiction counseling. She also stressed the urgent need for professional standards in addiction treatment in Nigeria, and suggests how faith and science can work together to restore hope and healing. Kunbi is the founder of Living Vines Mental Health Foundation, a faith-based non-profit organisation advocating ethical, competent, and compassionate addiction treatment across Nigeria. Excerpts:
Kindly take us back to the beginning. What inspired you to specialise in trauma and addiction counseling?
My journey into trauma and addiction counseling was deeply personal and spiritual. Over the years, I encountered many individuals whose lives had been derailed by substance use, yet when you listened closely to their stories, you realized that addiction was rarely the starting point. It was often the symptom of deeper wounds, unresolved trauma, emotional pain, broken relationships, and sometimes untreated mental health challenges. During my academic training and professional exposure, it became clear that trauma and addiction are closely intertwined. I felt called to focus on this area because healing addiction without addressing the underlying trauma often leads to relapse.
I wanted to help people not just stop using substances but truly heal.
You integrate Christian faith with evidence-based therapy. How do you balance spirituality with clinical practice?
For me, the two are not in conflict; they complement each other beautifully. Evidence-based therapy provides scientifically validated tools that help individuals regulate emotions, process trauma, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. At the same time, faith can provide meaning, hope, and a sense of identity that many people in recovery desperately need. When clients choose to incorporate their faith into the healing process, it can be incredibly powerful. My role as a clinician is to ensure that therapy remains ethical, professional, and grounded in science while creating space for spiritual resources that strengthen resilience.
What was the turning point that made you realize Nigeria needed stronger addiction treatment systems?
The turning point came when I began working with Nigerians struggling with addiction and realised how limited our treatment infrastructure was. Many facilities lacked trained professionals, standardized treatment approaches, or ethical oversight. In some cases, people seeking help were exposed to methods that were punitive rather than therapeutic. That was heartbreaking to witness. It became clear that Nigeria urgently needed professional standards, training, and certification systems to ensure that individuals struggling with addiction receive competent and compassionate care.
How serious is the substance use crisis in Nigeria today?
It is far more serious than many people realise. Substance use is affecting communities across socioeconomic backgrounds , and it cuts across, from urban centres to rural areas. Young people are particularly vulnerable, and substances such as opioids, cannabis, tramadol, codeine mixtures, and synthetic drugs have become increasingly accessible. The consequences are not just individual; they affect families, workplaces, communities, and national productivity. Addiction is a public health issue, and we need to treat it as such.
What are the biggest misconceptions Nigerians have about addiction?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that addiction is simply a matter of weak character or poor discipline. That belief is not only inaccurate but harmful. Addiction is a complex brain disorder that involves changes in brain chemistry, emotional regulation, and behavioral control. When we reduce it to a moral failure, we discourage people from seeking help and increase stigma.
Many families still see addiction as a moral failure and how do you respond to that narrative?
I understand where that perception comes from, especially in societies where moral and spiritual values are highly emphasised. However, addiction is not simply a matter of willpower. When someone develops a substance use disorder, the brain’s reward and decision-making systems are affected. This means the individual may desperately want to stop but cannot do so without support and treatment. Compassion and education are critical. Families need to understand that recovery is possible when people receive the right care.
What role does trauma play in substance abuse?
Trauma plays a significant role. Many people who struggle with addiction have experienced some form of trauma, like childhood abuse, neglect, violence, loss, or chronic stress. Substances often become a coping mechanism to numb emotional pain. Unfortunately, while they may provide temporary relief, they ultimately deepen the cycle of suffering. Effective addiction treatment must address trauma, otherwise recovery remains fragile.
What led you to establish the Living Vines Mental Health Foundation?
I founded the Living Vines Mental Health Foundation because I wanted to create a platform that addressed addiction from a holistic perspective, combining professional treatment, mental health advocacy, and faith-based support. Our goal is to ensure that individuals struggling with substance use can access care that is ethical, evidence-based, and compassionate.
What makes your approach to treatment different from the everyday conventional models?
Our approach recognises that healing is wholistic. It must address the whole person , mind, body, and spirit. While we prioritise evidence-based therapy, we also acknowledge the role of spiritual support, community, and identity in long-term recovery. We also focus strongly on professional training because sustainable change requires a well-trained workforce.
Can you share a success story that reflects the impact of your work?
Without sharing identifying details, I can say that I have worked with individuals who arrived feeling completely hopeless. Some had experienced multiple relapses and had lost family relationships and employment opportunities. Through structured therapy, trauma healing, and supportive recovery systems, many of them have rebuilt their lives. Some are now mentoring others in recovery, which is incredibly inspiring.
Why was it important to create a certification board specifically for addiction professionals in Nigeria?
One of the biggest gaps in our system is the lack of standardized training and certification for addiction treatment professionals.
The Living Vines Certification Board was created to establish internationally recognized professional standards so that individuals working in addiction treatment are properly trained and ethically accountable.
Tell us about the four certification pathways and who they are designed for?
The Board currently offers four certification pathways:
•Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) for professionals providing direct addiction counseling
•Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) for individuals with lived recovery experience supporting others
•Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) for professionals focused on prevention and community education
•Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) for senior professionals supervising addiction treatment programs
These certifications are designed to build a competent workforce capable of delivering quality addiction treatment across Nigeria.
How does professional certification improve recovery outcomes?
When professionals are properly trained and certified, clients receive more effective, ethical, and structured care. Evidence-based treatment significantly improves recovery outcomes and reduces relapse rates.
Certification also builds public trust in treatment services.
What should government and policymakers be doing differently to address addiction?
Government needs to prioritize addiction treatment as a public health priority. This includes funding treatment programs, strengthening prevention initiatives, regulating treatment facilities, and investing in professional training.
Policy must be aligned with science and compassion.
How important is prevention compared to treatment?
Prevention is just as important as treatment. If we can educate young people, strengthen families, and reduce risk factors, we can significantly reduce the number of people who develop substance use disorders in the first place.
What role can churches, schools, and communities play?
They play a crucial role. Churches, schools, and community organizations are often the first point of contact when people begin to struggle. They can help reduce stigma, promote education, and encourage individuals to seek professional help.
What does your vision of a recovery-ready Nigeria look like?
A recovery-ready Nigeria is one where anyone struggling with addiction can access professional, ethical, and compassionate care without stigma. It is a nation where treatment systems are strong, prevention is prioritized, and recovery is celebrated rather than hidden.
Finally, if someone reading right now is struggling with addiction, what would you say to such a person?
You are not alone, and your life is not beyond hope. Addiction may be part of your story, but it does not have to define your future. Recovery is possible, and there are people ready to walk that journey with you. The first step is reaching out for help.
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