Assessment of the risk factors for relapse/ lapse among currently abstinent patients with alcohol dependence

Abstract

Substance use disorder is considered as a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive, often uncontrollable, substance seeking and substance use in the face of negative consequences. Despite the availability of many forms of effective treatment, the problem of relapse remains the major challenge to achieve sustained abstinence from substances. Furthermore, the relapse phenomenon may occur at any time during or after a course of treatment, and it may occur many times, leading to repeated cycles of substance use and abstinence. This study was undertaken to explore the risk factors contributing to lapse or relapse among abstinent patient seeking treatment for alcohol dependence. Forty four subjects were included in the study. A descriptive cross sectional design was undertaken for the study. Data was collected from the subjects by using structured questionnaire-demographic profile sheet, relapse precipitating inventory and presumptive stressful life event scale. The result revealed that major risk factors for relapse or lapse were craving for alcohol (82%), pleasurable events (77%), family conflict (85.5%), financial problem (63.9%) & loss of significant one (41.2%). Study result revealed that the lapse/relapse among alcoholics is due to risk factors such as pleasurable life situations and craving factors. The major presumptive stressful life events contributing to lapse/relapse are family problems, financial problems, and loss of significant ones.