Addiction Prevention & Rehabilitatio Assn (APRAU)

APRAU brings together the largest number of institutions in Uganda currently involved in the prevention, treatment and care for Addiction and Mental Illness.

[Addiction Prevention & Rehabilitatio Assn (APRAU) @aprauganda]

"Let's break the chains of addiction together. Reach out, seek help, and start your journey to recovery. Your mental health matters, and we're here to support you. #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthMatters 🌟"

[Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance @PolicyUganda]

Do you see that writing circled in green?

You should pay keen attention to it, from today's @newvisionwire !

#ADCBUganda2023

[AfricaRetreatCentres(ARC) @africar_centres]

Is my Drinking a problem?

The CAGE questionnaire is a series of four questions that doctors can use to check for signs of possible alcohol dependency. The questions are designed to be less obtrusive than directly asking someone if they have a problem with alcohol. #AlcoholAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters

[BreakFree Rehabilitation Center @BreakfreeRehab]

Alcohol can actually increase your stress levels. The more alcohol you drink, the greater the effect it has on your brain function & mental health. #stress #breakfreerehab #StressAwarenessMonth #MentalWellness

[Focus on Recovery Uganda (FORE Tranquil Homes) @HomesFore]

Stress is a risk factor for developing an addiction. This risk is higher if you are exposed to stress in early childhood or exposed to chronic stress at any time. #stress #recoveryug #addiction #mentalhealth

[AfricaRetreatCentres(ARC) @africar_centres]

"We need to see it that men and women who would never hesitate to go see a doctor if they had a broken arm or came down with the flu, that they have that same attitude when it comes to their mental health," @BarackObama #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness

[Focus on Recovery Uganda (FORE Tranquil Homes) @HomesFore]

Our ED, Mr. Albert Elwa explains what addiction science is, overcoming stigma on addiction treatment during breaking barriers held at Kyambogo University. There is an urgent need to combat stigma surrounding addiction. The most important thing to remember is treatments can work.

[Hope and Beyond Uganda @HopeAndBeyondUg]

The #WorldRadioDay is here.

This year is themed, "Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating".

Wouldn't you love to listen in to more mental health programming on radio, going forward?

Photo credit: @DailyMonitor

[Focus on Recovery Uganda (FORE Tranquil Homes) @HomesFore]

Did you know?

People with healthy, positive and supportive relationships are more likely to be happier and healthier. #recoveryuganda #mentalhealth #valentines #couples

Pic credit: freepik

[AfricaRetreatCentres(ARC) @africar_centres]

Dual Diagnosis: Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Substance abuse and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety are closely linked, although one doesn’t necessarily directly cause the other. Abusing substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine can cause prolonged psychotic reactions, while alcohol can make depression and anxiety symptoms worse.
Also:Alcohol and drugs are often used to self-medicate the symptoms of mental health problems. People often abuse alcohol or drugs to ease the symptoms of an undiagnosed mental disorder, to cope with difficult emotions, or to temporarily change their mood. Unfortunately, self-medicating with drugs or alcohol causes side effects and in the long run often worsens the symptoms they initially helped to relieve.
Alcohol and drug abuse can increase the underlying risk for mental disorders.Since mental health problems are caused by a complex interplay of genetics, the environment, and other factors, it’s difficult to say if abusing substances ever directly causes them. However, if you are at risk for a mental health issue, abusing alcohol or drugs may push you over the edge. For example, there is some evidence that those who abuse opioid painkillers are at greater risk for depression and heavy cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk for schizophrenia.
Alcohol and drug abuse can make symptoms of a mental health problem worse. Substance abuse may sharply increase symptoms of mental illness or even trigger new symptoms. Abuse of alcohol or drugs can also interact with medications such as antidepressants, anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers, making them less effective at managing symptoms and delaying your recovery.
Treatment for a dual diagnosis
The best treatment for co-occurring disorders is an integrated approach, where both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder are treated simultaneously. Whether your mental health or substance abuse problem came first, long-term recovery depends on getting treatment for both disorders by the same treatment provider or team. Depending on your specific issues:
Treatment for your mental health problem may include medication, individual or group counseling, self-help measures, lifestyle changes, and peer support.
Treatment for your substance abuse may include detoxification, managing of withdrawal symptoms, behavioral therapy, and support groups to help maintain your sobriety. #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #SubstanceAbuse #DualDiagnosis

[Chapters Health and Recovery Centre @ChaptersCentre]

The only beautiful way to start the week is by taking a step to make a change for yourself, for your loved ones and we are here to start that journey with you.
https://t.co/IwMOxpzMCP

[BreakFree Rehabilitation Center @BreakfreeRehab]

Strong, healthy relationships can also help to strengthen your immune system, help you recover from disease, and may even lengthen your life. #breakfreerehab #valentines #relationships
Photo credit: shutterstock

[Drugs Hapana Initiative Uganda @DrugsHapana]

Understanding how substance abuse develops is one way to prevent it. It starts by using addictive drugs that is illicit or prescribed for recreational purposes, seeking out intoxication every time you use and abusing prescription medication.
#drugsHapana
#TogetherWeFight

[Hope and Beyond Uganda @HopeAndBeyondUg]

Second, specialized treatment is only publicly available (30 beds) @butabika1955 in Kampala (Kigozi, 2005).

#Vision2030HaB

Photo credit: @DailyMonitor

[Chapters Health and Recovery Centre @ChaptersCentre]

Welcoming February with open hearts and open minds. Let's prioritize mental well-being. 🌟 #NewMonthNewBeginnings"

[Mulongo Diaspora Foundation @MulongoDiaspora]

Overcoming PTSD requires not only the will but also positive actions towards recovery, just as in any other mental health issue.
#ImmigrationandMentalHealth
#ServingCommunities

[Focus on Recovery Uganda (FORE Tranquil Homes) @HomesFore]

Young people who abuse substances experience many problems including getting arrested. A drug conviction can kick a young person off school sports teams, cost a high schooler their scholarship opportunities.

Read more here:
https://t.co/gs7y6rKBXp

Pic credit: shutterstock

[Hope and Beyond Uganda @HopeAndBeyondUg]

The specialized private treatment initiatives are mainly concentrated in central Uganda & are hardly accessible & affordable for the majority of Ugandans due to the long distance and high costs (∼15 EUR per day) (Kigozi, 2005).

#Vision2030HaB

Photo credit: @africar_centres

[AfricaRetreatCentres(ARC) @africar_centres]

Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Month.

As we mark the end of the cervical cancer screening awareness month 2024. We would like to encourage young girls and women that, when diagnosed early and managed effectively, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer. But caught too late, the outcomes are not nearly as good.The good news is that cervical cancer can be easily prevented through vaccination against HPV and regular screening.

To all girls and women, the messages of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month are clear:

1. Get informed. Find out the facts about HPV and cervical cancer, including what signs to look out for. Help educate other women in your life too.
2. Get screened. Cervical cancer screening typically starts at 30 years of age and is repeated regularly.
3. Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is given in 1 or 2 doses that should begin when a girl is aged 9–14 years.
Through prevention, screening and treatment, we can end cervical cancer as a public health problem within a few generations. (WHO) #CervicalCancerAwarenessMonth #LearnPreventScreen

[Drugs Hapana Initiative Uganda @DrugsHapana]

Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances alongside tobacco, misuse of alcohol is often a hidden phenomenon. Older adults may experience marked intoxication symptoms following ingestion of amounts of alcohol that would be judged safe among younger adults.
#drugshapana

[Mulongo Diaspora Foundation @MulongoDiaspora]

Dear men, it's okay not to be okay and it's okay to ask for help.

#MentalHealthMatters