Sister Lindrio’s research to help alcohol, drug addicts live healthier lives

For several years, Sister Celestine Lindrio witnessed how alcohol and drug addiction wrecked the mental health of her loved ones and communities. 

She decided to do something to ease their struggles and live healthier lives.

In 2016, she enrolled for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselling Psychology, specializing in addiction counselling, a journey that has taken her eight years.  She will graduate on October 26, 2024, at Nkumba University.

Through her study; Alcohol addiction recovery interventions and perceived sobriety in selected hospitals and rehabilitation centers in Wakiso and Kampala districts, Lindrio found out that many patients struggle to stay sober due to perceived sobriety.

They end up relapsing after discharge thus a high rate of re-admission.

She developed the Integrated Self and Community Awareness Recovery Model (ISCAR) that helps recovering addicts to be healthy and productive. The model was tested in three rehabilitation centers and respondents preferred it for being flexible.

Meanwhile, Lindrio is a counselling psychologist, administrator and perpetual member of the religious family of Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (MSMMC).

On why it took her eight years instead of the three she anticipated, Lindrio says, financial challenges, tight work schedules coupled with the death of her parents, uncles and research supervisor put her on the verge of giving up. She stopped seeing sense whatever she was doing.

She thanks Dr. Kiyingi Pio Frank (PhD) and Dr. Nyende Paul (PhD) for funding and supervising her through it all.

Lindrio envisions being a great scholar and professor, God willing.

 Early life

Sr. Lindrio is the fourth of eight children born in Moyo district. Her late father worked at the district and her paternal uncle, late Micheal Moiko was the district inspector of schools. Lindrio’s paternal aunt Prof. Sr. Dominic Dipio works at Makerere University. In a way, she says, her relatives inspired her to pursue the PhD.

She went to St. Dominic Primary School before joining Bishop Caesar Asili Memorial Senior Secondary School for her O levels which she completed in 1999. Later in 2007, she enrolled at Kisubi Brothers University, a college of the Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) Nkozi for a certificate in counselling psychology after which, she obtained a Diploma in Counseling Psychology at the same University in 2009.

The following year, Lindrio went back for a bachelor’s degree in Counseling Psychology completing in 2012.

From 2014-2016, she did a master of arts in counselling psychology at Bishop Magambo Counselor Training Institute, a branch of UMU and in 2016, she embarked on her PhD.

 What to consider before enrolling for a PhD

A PhD journey can be exciting and challenging but manageable if you are flexible and resilient. Brace yourself for the twists and turns but rely on God in every step you take.

Lindrio advises you to build a support system and attend research seminars and workshops.  

It is also important to develop strong time management skills; break tasks into manageable portions and set realistic deadlines to avoid feeling overwhelmed. And whenever you feel like giving up, remind yourself that you have to complete the journey.

But before anything, choose a topic that you love because passion will sustain you through the tougher times. Also, avoid procrastination. Every day, dedicate an hour or two to read about your area of research.

In the same way, always make time for yourself to boost your physical and mental well-being but avoid being lousy, and unserious. Engage your supervisors and welcome constructive criticism.