Abstract

This public health focused systematic review investigates the efficacy of telehealth in treating substance abuse disorders within the Nigerian context. Amid Nigeria's escalating public heath concern of substance use disorders compounded by scarce treatment facilities, telehealth emerges as a viable option. The review aims to evaluate telehealth's effectiveness in managing substance use disorders within Nigeria's health system constraints, measuring benefits and burdens in its adoption. Telehealth's potential to mitigate treatment costs and lift the stigma associated with seeking care has been well documented. However, inadequate technological infrastructure, health provider resistance, and limited healthcare facilities in rural areas prove daunting. This review reinforces the value of telehealth for improving treatment and management of substance abuse disorders in Nigeria, highlighting urgent need for regulatory adaptation, infrastructural investment, and advocacy geared towards public education. The paper recommendations include focusing on the implementation of telehealth infrastructure, training of healthcare providers, and decreasing stigma through public health campaigns. Further research is also essential to examine the long-term results of telehealth interventions in the treatment of substance abuse.