By Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri

A few years ago, I arrived early on a Sunday to run my clinic. As I walked in, I noticed a woman being supported carefully by her husband and daughter. I assumed they had come for a different clinic. I was wrong.

They were there to see me.
She presented with marked confusion, difficulty walking, and a persistent “hangover,” despite having consumed alcohol earlier that morning. She was referred by a neurologist because of seizures. A gastroenterologist had also reviewed her after she developed significant bleeding from her stomach.
When all the pieces were placed side by side, it was clear: this was not simply a woman who “drank too much.” It was a clear case of Alcohol Use Disorder, AUD.
AUD often hides behind other medical conditions. People rarely present saying ‘Doc, I have a drinking problem’. Instead, they show up with complaints of headaches, tremors, unsteady gait, falls, forgetfulness, seizures, depression, anxiety and poorly controlled chronic illnesses. Specialists are often called to treat damage to different organs, but the real driver of the problem still lingers on.
A general myth around AUD is that, it is a reflection of a lack of discipline or moral weakness. The reality is that it is a mental and medical health condition. With continuous and especially heavy use, the brain structure and chemistry changes. Over time, craving for the substance increases, control diminishes and tolerance for the substance increases. In addition, the individual starts to struggle with self care, relationship with loved ones and work commitments. There may also be dangerous use that causes them to be disinhibited, engage in dangerous acts which bring them in conflict with the law.
Our session focused on clarity and safety as we discussed the impact alcohol was having on her brain and body. We spoke about harm reduction and safer drinking techniques as an initial step to reducing immediate risk and create a safe space for the brain to begin stabilising. My hope was that it would become a bridge toward fuller treatment and recovery.
By the following week, the change was striking. She was able to now walk unaided, stated her name and engaged meaningfully in conversation. That small but significant improvement marked the beginning of a long journey toward wellness.
Recovery from alcohol dependence is rarely instant as it requires medical guidance, psychological support, family involvement, and patience. There may be setbacks. But improvement, sometimes dramatic, is possible when the right problem is identified and addressed.
Families must understand that love alone is not enough. Neither is silence. When drinking begins to cost someone their health, memory, dignity or independence, it is time to seek help.

Remember there is no health without mental health.