A strategy for the rehabilitation of people with alcohol dependency in the Benfica District of Huambo, Angola

Abstract

The use of alcoholic drinks in the Benfica district of Huambo, Angola, has been identified as the primary cause of many car accidents. As will be seen in this study, road accidents arise from driver-related issues, including impatience, lack of rest, pride, greed, ego, alcohol use, and lack of driving skills. It is evident from records that alcohol is one of the top causes of accidents worldwide. Alcohol not only leads to antisocial behavior, school dropout, domestic violence, and numerous health problems but has also resulted in the breakdown of many families. Considering this, the study focused on the prevalence of alcohol abuse in the district by developing a program that could effectively reach out to alcoholics, provide training to churches and the community on how to support those who have abstained from alcohol, and select some churches to be rehabilitation centers for alcoholics. The research design employed questionnaires administered to collect information on issues concerning alcoholism and the rate of alcohol consumption in the Benfica district of Huambo, Angola. The data were analyzed descriptively and presented in charts using percentile scores. The data analysis results revealed that the primary factor contributing to the higher rate of alcoholic beverage consumption in the Benfica district of Huambo is social connections, accounting for 33%. This emphasizes the influence of one’s social circle on alcohol-related behavior. Furthermore, when examining the frequency of drinking, men exhibited a higher percentage (46%) of consuming alcoholic beverages at very frequent intervals compared to women (23%). The study yielded significant conclusions, highlighting the severe consequences associated with alcohol consumption, including death, injuries, disabilities, and divorce. It emphasized that individuals struggling with alcoholism require not only medical treatment but also spiritual healing. The conclusions and recommendations derived from the study are considered pertinent and reliable, as they are based on concrete findings and insights from carefully selected participants.