Effect of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Among Subjects with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in Uganda: A Comparative Study of Treatment Groups

Background: Regardless of diverse interventions aimed at achieving recovery and maintaining sobriety, alcohol use disorder, a leading global risk factor for mortality and morbidity, remains prevalent in Uganda. It’s worth noting that even after long stays in treatment facilities, recovering individuals are still prone to relapse. Of importance, however, is the knowledge of the effect of treatment interventions on recovery during and after rehabilitation. Hence, this study seeks to determine the impact of CBT as an intervention among alcohol-dependent individuals and assess its relevancy after rehabilitation. Methodology: This study enrolled 196 individuals with alcohol dependence from 5 treatment centers in the treated and control groups on a 1:1 enrollment basis. Individuals in the treated group were those in the rehabilitation centres receiving CBT while the control group included individuals in the community who were off CBT treatment. A linear regression model was fit to the data to determine the effect of CBT on the recovery status. Interaction terms between the participants’ treatment group and CBT were included to assess the difference between the two groups. Findings: CBT enhanced character development (β = 1.37, p < 0.001), healthy living (β = 0.88, p < 0.001), productive engagements (β = 1.12, p < 0.001), and overall recovery status (β = 3.38, p < 0.001). The overall effect of CBT was higher among individuals receiving treatment as compared to their counterparts. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Incorporating aftercare CBT treatment may enhance the recovery status of individuals grappling with alcohol dependence and prevent immediate relapse. Policymakers and licensing agencies of treatment centres should incorporate aftercare treatment for CBT and similar interventions.