Alcohol use, treatment, and relapse: narratives of patients admitted with alcohol use disorder at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital

Abstract

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and related problems pose significant global public health concerns. Uganda has reported high levels of alcohol consumption with a growing proportion of the youthful population at risk of severe alcohol use problems requiring treatment. There is, however, scanty information about the experiences of patients receiving treatment for AUD and relapse in Uganda. The purpose of this study was to explore the narratives of patients with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The Study utilized purposive sampling to identify participants who met the study's inclusion criteria. In-depth face-to-face interviews guided by an interview guide were conducted to collect participant narratives, which were then analyzed thematically. The findings revealed significant factors contributing to alcohol use, such as peer pressure and perceived social benefits, and highlighted the challenges of maintaining sobriety post-treatment, including conflicting social support. The study underscores the importance of ongoing support, follow-up care, and a comprehensive treatment approach to prevent relapse and sustain long-term recovery. These findings have implications for prevention strategies, interventions, and clinical practice, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions addressing peer pressure and social benefits and providing continuous support and holistic care to individuals with AUD.