Psycho-social factors associated with relapse to drug addiction in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Relapse to drug use after successful treatment and rehabilitation is a common problem globally. This study aimed to identify the psychological and social factors associated with relapse of drug addiction in Bangladesh.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 60 individuals (30 relapsed and 30 non-relapsed cases) with a history of drug addiction in four drug treatment and detoxification center in Bangladesh from May to December 2010. Data were collected from all the participants using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. A 4-point Likert format was used for scoring the questionnaire. Logistic regression models were performed to identify factors associated with relapse to drug addiction.Results: All participants were male, aged between 18 and 41 years with mean (SD) age of 27.63 (4.23) years. The “negative emotion” factor had strong contribution on relapse, while “peer pressure,” “self-efficacy,” and “lack of assertiveness” contributed to relapse moderately. The “parental discord” and “relation with parents” factors showed no relationship with relapse. The thought/belief, feeling/emotion, and behavior/action patterns related to relapse were identified, and the covert or very internal affairs of relapse components were revealed.Conclusion: Psychological factors were associated with an increased likelihood of relapse than social factors. These findings may help clinicians identify substance abuse patients likely to relapse and develop treatment and policy guidelines for prevention of relapse to drug addiction in Bangladesh.