Alcohol and Drug Unit (ADU)
The ADU is a dedicated treatment and rehabilitation center offering comprehensive care for individuals experiencing alcohol or substance use disorders, and other addictive disorders. Our multidisciplinary team provides compassionate, evidence-based treatment in a safe and supportive environment.
Services Offered
- Assessment
Comprehensive psychiatric assessments to determine individual treatment needs. - Treatment Programs.
Personalized treatment and recovery plans designed to support long term recovery and mental health wellbeing. These are provided to both outpatients and inpatients. They include:
- DetoxificationWe provide safe medical stabilization and supervised withdrawal from alcohol and other substances of addiction. Our team closely monitors clients to prevent and manage any potential complications
- Management of Comorbid health conditionsOur specialists assess for and treat co-occurring mental, and physical health conditions. These may include mood and anxiety disorders, infections, and chronic medical illnesses.
- Additional Support ServicesWe offer a wide range of services to ensure holistic care, including:
- Individual and group therapy
- Family counselling and support
- Relapse-prevention planning
- Rehabilitation and community reintegration assistance
- Referral for specialized care when needed
- Psychological treatments and counselling ServicesIndividual psychotherapy and counselling: One-on-one sessions focused on personal treatment and recovery goals.
- Group psychological treatment and counsellingInclude group psychoeducation and support sessions to promote shared learning and recovery.
- Psychological treatments and counselling Services
Schedule of Services
In-Patient Care
Both private and general ward services available for clients requiring acute and chronic care and support 24-hours a day.
Out-Patient Programs
- Patient assessment, health reviews and group counselling sessions at the ADU clinic: Every Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Caregivers’ Meetings: Every last Friday of the month, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Spiritual Therapy: Every Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Sunday Mass: Every Sunday at 10:00 AM
Specialized Groups
New Perspective Group: Every Friday.
Medication Assisted Treatment
This entails the use of specific medicines in the management of particular alcohol and substance use disorders as part of an integrated in-patient care service. In addition, the ADU unit includes the Medication Assisted Treatment Clinic that provides outpatient services for persons with injecting (opioid) drug use disorders.
Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) Clinic in Butabika Hospital
Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) is a proven medication assisted treatment approach for opioid addiction. It combines medication, counselling, and psychosocial support to help people recover safely and effectively. It is especially helpful for individuals using opioids such as heroin or certain painkillers like pethidine.
In Uganda, OAT uses Methadone and Buprenorphine, taken orally. OAT is also part of the national HIV prevention and harm reduction package.
Benefits of OAT
- Eliminating opioid withdrawal symptoms
- Breaking the cycle of cravings and withdrawal
- Blocking the “feel-good” effects of opioids
- Reducing risky sexual behavior and unsafe injection practices, lowering the risk of HIV and other infections
- Reducing overdose and overdose-related deaths
- Improving physical, mental, and social well-being
- Reducing chances of relapse
- Supporting a more stable and productive life
- Reducing involvement in crime
Who Is Eligible for OAT?
Anyone who wants to stop using opioids but has struggled to do so is eligible. Eligibility is determined after a professional assessment.
How OAT Works
MAT stabilizes the brain, reduces cravings, and supports long-term recovery.
By easing withdrawal and suppressing cravings, MAT allows clients to fully benefit from counselling, peer support, and other recovery services.
It also helps individuals stop using gradually and safely.
Where to Access OAT Services
In Kampala, OAT services are available at: Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital – OAT
Clients can access OAT after assessment and referral by: Uganda Harm Reduction Network (UHRN)
OAT services at Butabika are free of charge.
