Associated Factors for Relapse in Opioid Addicts undergoing Therapy

Abstract

Substance abuse is both a social and public health problem with a substantial burden to society. Opioid dependence results in unemployment, crimes, family disruption, and transmission of diseases. In Malaysia, Methadone Maintanence Therapy (MMT) has been introduced as a harm-reduction method. However, relapse during treatment remains an issue to be resolved that hinders successful outcome in the therapy. This study aims to determine the prevalence of relapse in opioid addicts undergoing MMT and its associated potential risk factors. This is a cross-sectional study done from June-July 2016. All patients with MMT in primary care therapy centres in Kuala Nerus district, Terengganu, Malaysia who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria was included. A semi-structured questionnaire was filled via face-to-face interview and reference to the case records was done. 122 questionnaires were assessed. All respondents were males of Malay race. Mean age was 36.2. Mean duration in MMT was 1.4 years. Current relapse, defined as any episode of intake of heroine for the past one month after a period of abstinence was 34.4%. The significant factors found in our study for relapse were: the patients’ goal for treatment (p<0.001), status of parents prior to addiction (p<0.038), duration of therapy (p<0.001), and taking of amphetamine during therapy (p<0.013), respectively. Relapse in opioid addiction remains high in those receiving MMT. Clients need to be properly educated regarding reasonable goals for treatment, which may contribute towards achieving more successful therapy outcomes.