Assessing drug use relapse rate and its associated factors among Iranian users

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Relapse of drug use makes addiction more complex and difficult. This study aims to access the rate of drug use relapse and its determining factors among users referred to addiction treatment centers in Saveh, Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 users referred to Saveh addiction clinics, in Iran. Data were collected using a survey using stratified random sampling methods. Results A total of 374 men and 29 women participated in this study. The mean age of participants was 37.9 ± 10.1 years old but the mean age of first use was 17.6 ± 5.3 years old. More than half of the participants had elementary education. Most of those (74%) had a history of relapse. Escape from daily life challenges, place of residency, unemployment, and availability of drugs were dominant factors for relapse. The demographic factors of gender, and duration of the addiction and psychological factors of resilience, positive outcome expectancies, urges and temptations to use, self-efficacy, social support, and emotion-oriented coping were significant variables in predicting relapse (p < .05). Conclusion This study finding has significant implications for policy decision makers and educational interventions. Addressing determinants of drug use relapse is the primary strategy for preventing and reducing drug use.