Relationship Between Social Support and Depression among Individuals Undergoing Rehabilitation from Drug and Substance Use in Rehabilitation Centres in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, Kenya

Social support is a fundamental component that may facilitate healing and recovery for drug and substance use addicts. This study investigated the relationship between social support and depression among individuals undergoing rehabilitation from drug and substance use in rehabilitation centres in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, Kenya. The objective of the study was to examine the levels of social support among individuals undergoing rehabilitation for drug and substance use in rehabilitation centres in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, Kenya. The research was informed by social support theory and the Beck theory of depression. The target population of this study was 800 individuals undergoing rehabilitation for drug and substance use. The sample size was 287 participants. The study used the simple random sampling technique. The Berlin Social Support Scale (BSSS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics; utilizing SPSS version 25. Ethical consideration was adhered to. The findings revealed that a majority (88%, n = 242) of the participants were at high level of social support, 12% (n = 32) were at moderate level of social support, while none of the participants scored low level of social support. The study recommended that there should be continuous family involvement through counseling, educational initiatives, and organized visitations in rehabilitation centres Families are essential for sustained recovery, and their presence contribute to meaningful recovery.