After years of struggling with substance use, Tunde (name changed) finally made the decision to seek help. His family, desperate for change, found a local recovery centre and enrolled him immediately. There was hope. For the first time in a long while, it felt like things could be different. But within weeks, it became clear that something wasn’t right. The support he received was inconsistent. There was no structured treatment plan. Different caregivers gave conflicting guidance. Boundaries were unclear. And when his condition became more complex, there was no clear pathway for escalation or referral. What was meant to be a place of healing became a place of confusion. Eventually, Tunde left the program—discouraged, frustrated, and still in need of care.
This story is not isolated. Across Nigeria, many individuals seeking help for substance use encounter systems that are trying—but not always equipped—to deliver consistent, effective care. The demand is there. The willingness to help is there. But something critical is missing.
There is no unified standard that defines how addiction care should be delivered. No clear framework that ensures:
- Professionals are properly trained
- Care is structured and evidence-informed
- Ethical practices are consistently upheld
- Complex cases are appropriately managed
As a result, care often depends on individual effort rather than a reliable system. And in addiction care, that difference matters.
Because addiction is not a one-dimensional issue. It involves psychological, biological, social, and behavioral complexities. It requires structured intervention, professional judgment, and ethical responsibility. Without these, even well-meaning care can fall short. Not because people don’t care— but because the system has not equipped them to care effectively.
This is where the need for standards becomes urgent. And this is where the Living Vines Certification Board (LVCB) comes in. LVCB is working to strengthen addiction care in Nigeria by establishing clear standards for training, certification, and ethical practice. Through structured certification pathways, we aim to ensure that individuals providing care are not only passionate—but properly equipped. That care is not left to chance—but guided by competence. That individuals like Tunde encounter systems that are prepared to support them effectively. Because recovery should not depend on luck. It should be built on standards.
If you are working in addiction care, this is a call to strengthen your practice. If you are entering the field, this is an opportunity to start with structure. And if you believe that addiction care in Nigeria can be better, this is your invitation to be part of building that reality.
If you are working in addiction care or looking to build a career in recovery support, explore LVCB’s internationally aligned certification pathways,
Learn more about LVCB and how to get involved. Because when standards improve, outcomes change.
