Addiction Relapse Research Articles

Mencegah kekambuhan pada pecandu narkoba: Bagaimana peranan craving dan dukungan keluarga?

Previous research data shows that drug users who have undergone rehabilitation can still experience relapse, so research that identifies factors that cause relapse is essential. This study aims to examine the relationship between craving and family support with the tendency to relapse. The research participants were 97 drug addicts undergoing rehabilitation at several rehabilitation institutions in Surabaya and Gresik. The research scale was compiled by the researcher himself, consisting of a relapse scale (α = 0.935), which refers to the theory of Gorski and Miller, a craving scale (α = 0.899), which refers to Drummond's theory, and a family support scale (α = 0.949) which refers to Friedman's theory. The research data were analyzed using multiple regression tests. The results of the partial test showed that the higher the craving in people with an addiction who had undergone rehabilitation, the higher their tendency to relapse. However, the results of the partial test also proved that solid family support made the tendency to relapse lower. The results of the study simultaneously also showed that craving and family support were predictors of the tendency to relapse in drug addicts after rehabilitation. These findings are expected to broaden understanding of clinical psychology and provide practical guidelines for former addicts to prevent relapse through efforts to reduce cravings and increase family support.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluations of Novel Thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) Receptor Antagonists as Potential Treatments for Stress Related Disorders and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH).

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a key neuropeptide hormone that is secreted from the hypothalamus. It is the master hormone of the HPA axis, which orchestrates the physiological and behavioral responses to stress. Many disorders, including anxiety, depression, addiction relapse, and others, are related to over-activation of this system. Thus, new molecules that may interfere with CRF receptor binding may be of value to treat neuropsychiatric stress-related disorders. Also, CRF1R antagonists have recently emerged as potential treatment options for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Previously, several series of CRF1 receptor antagonists were developed by our group. In continuation of our efforts in this direction, herein we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a new series of CRF1R antagonists. Representative compounds were evaluated for their binding affinities compared to antalarmin. Four compounds (2, 5, 20, and 21) showed log IC50 values of -8.22, -7.95, -8.04, and -7.88, respectively, compared to -7.78 for antalarmin. This result indicates that these four compounds are superior to antalarmin by 2.5, 1.4, 1.7, and 1.25 times, respectively. It is worth mentioning that compound 2, in terms of IC50, is among the best CRF1R antagonists ever developed in the last 40 years. The in silico physicochemical properties of the lead compounds showed good drug-like properties. Thus, further research in this direction may lead to better and safer CRF receptor antagonists that may have clinical applications, particularly for stress-related disorders and the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

The process of losing meaning in life among alcoholics

ABSTRACT This study explores the process of alcoholics losing their meaning in life. We collected memoirs about alcohol addiction published by A.A. Korea and selected 37 cases clarifying the addiction and loss-of-hope processes. Data were analysed using qualitative case-study methods to identify each stage of alcoholism. The process of losing meaning in life was divided into seven stages: 1. Drinking; 2. Dependence; 3. Problems; 4. Psychological pain; 5. Choosing alcohol as a solution; 6. Despair; 7. Alcoholism vs. abstinence. When support systems fail, addicts relapse, using alcohol to treat despair. Their recovery depended significantly on their support system.

Raha syrup attenuates the morphine withdrawal-induced locomotor sensitisation by increasing the cerebrospinal fluid serotonin in rats receiving the opium tincture maintenance treatment

Morphine withdrawal increases locomotor sensitisation, relapse and impair regulation of serotonin system. We evaluated the effectiveness of Raha syrup on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) serotonin levels following locomotor sensitisation in morphine-withdrawn rats receiving the opium tincture (OT). Morphine withdrawal rats gavaged daily with OT and Raha syrup (for 30 days) and then challenged with morphine and evaluated for locomotor activity and CSF serotonin levels before morphine challenge and 2 weeks after cessation of treatment. Raha syrup attenuated locomotor activity, increased the CSF serotonin after morphine challenge, and continued 2 weeks after cessation of treatment in rats receiving OT. Whereas, rats receiving OT alone after morphine challenge exhibited a relative decrease in locomotor activity, without changing CSF serotonin. Raha syrup attenuated locomotor sensitisation in morphine-withdrawn rats receiving OT probably by increasing serotonin. Therefore, administration of Raha syrup along with OT may benefit to treatment relapse in addicts receiving OT maintenance treatment.

Relapse Prevention Group Therapy in Indonesia Involving Peers via Videoconferencing for Substance Use Disorder: Development and Feasibility Study.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major health issue in Indonesia, where several barriers to treatment exist, including inaccessibility to treatment services, stigma, and criminalization of drug issues. Peer involvement and the use of telemedicine to deliver psychotherapy are promising approaches to overcome these barriers. This study aims (1) to describe the development of a new group psychotherapy coprovided by a health care worker and a peer and (2) to evaluate the acceptability, practicality, and preliminary outcomes of the program delivered via videoconferencing in Indonesia. Building upon an established relapse prevention therapy in Japan, we developed a 3-month weekly group therapy module in the Indonesian language. Adjustments were made via focus group discussions with local stakeholders in terms of substance types, understandability, inclusive language, and cultural relevance. A pilot study was conducted to test the new module provided by a peer and a psychiatrist via videoconferencing, termed tele-Indonesia Drug Addiction Relapse Prevention Program (tele-Indo-DARPP), with a pre- and postcontrolled design. We analyzed data from semistructured feedback interviews and outcome measurements, including the number of days using substances and quality of life, and compared the intervention (tele-Indo-DARPP added to treatment as usual [TAU]) and control (TAU only) arms. In total, 8 people diagnosed with SUD participated in the pilot study with a mean age of 37 (SD 12.8) years. All were men, and 7 (88%) used sedatives as the primary substance. Collectively, they attended 44 of the 48 tele-Indo-DARPP sessions. A total of 3 out of 4 (75%) preferred telemedicine rather than in-person therapy. Positive acceptability and practicality were shown from qualitative feedback, in which the participants who joined the tele-Indo-DARPP reported that they liked the convenience of joining from home and that they were able to open up about personal matters, received helpful advice from peers, and received support from other participants. Providers reported that they feel the module was provider-friendly, and the session was convenient to join without diminishing rapport-building. Meanwhile, troubles with the internet connection and difficulty in comprehending some terminology in the workbook were reported. The intervention arm showed better improvements in psychological health and anxiety symptoms. Group psychotherapy via videoconferencing coprovided by health care workers and peers was acceptable and practical for participants with SUD and service providers in this study. A large-scale study is warranted to examine the effectiveness of the newly developed module in Indonesia.

Distinct roles of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex in the expression and reconsolidation of methamphetamine-associated memory in male mice.

Methamphetamine, a commonly abused drug, is known for its high relapse rate. The persistence of addictive memories associated with methamphetamine poses a significant challenge in preventing relapse. Memory retrieval and subsequent reconsolidation provide an opportunity to disrupt addictive memories. However, the key node in the brain network involved in methamphetamine-associated memory retrieval has not been clearly defined. In this study, using the conditioned place preference in male mice, whole brain c-FOS mapping and functional connectivity analysis, together with chemogenetic manipulations of neural circuits, we identified the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) as a critical hub that integrates inputs from the retrosplenial cortex and the ventral tegmental area to support both the expression and reconsolidation of methamphetamine-associated memory during its retrieval. Surprisingly, with further cell-type specific analysis and manipulation, we also observed that methamphetamine-associated memory retrieval activated inhibitory neurons in the mPFC to facilitate memory reconsolidation, while suppressing excitatory neurons to aid memory expression. These findings provide novel insights into the neural circuits and cellular mechanisms involved in the retrieval process of addictive memories. They suggest that targeting the balance between excitation and inhibition in the mPFC during memory retrieval could be a promising treatment strategy to prevent relapse in methamphetamine addiction.

The factors affecting substance abuse relapse based on theory of planned behavior in male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Southern Iran

BackgroundGiven the destructive nature of addiction and its relapse after quitting, the present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting substance abuse relapse based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran, in 2021–2022. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software through descriptive statistical methods, linear regression, and binary logistic regression.Results190 people (47.50%) were aged 31–40 years, 265 people (66.25%) were married, 224 people (56%) lived with their spouses, and 192 people (48 percent) had their first use at the age of 16–20. The substance respondents used were methamphetamine (59.5%), heroin (53%), opium (48%), and alcohol (40%). 138 people (34.5%) had their first place of consumption at friends’ houses (Tables 1 and 2).342 people (85.5%) had a history of relapse, and 172 people (50.29%) had 1–5 relapses. Marital status, occupation, and income were among the demographic risk factors, and addicted friends and close relatives were among the behavioral risk factors for drug relapse among people with a history of relapse. Personal desire and the insistence of friends were also among the individual and interpersonal factors of drug use among participants. The regression results showed that the constructs of awareness, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention were predictors of drug relapse among addicts (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe current study’s findings indicate that among the behavioral risk factors for drug relapse in individuals with a history of relapse are addicted friends and close relatives, while marital status, occupation, and income are among the demographic risk variables. Among the individual and interpersonal factors influencing drug usage among participants were personal desire and friends’ insistence. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the TPB’s structures might be used to predict drug relapse in addicts.

Enhancing Relapse Prevention: Examining the Impact of Experiential Avoidance, Integrative Self-Knowledge, and Basic Psychological Needs in Substance Use Treatment.

The harmful effects of drug relapse have always been one of the major challenges in addiction treatment. The present study aimed to predict drug relapse in addicted men under treatment based on experiential avoidance, integrative self-knowledge, and basic psychological needs. The present study was a correlational one. The statistical population included all addicted men in Choubindar prison in Qazvin in 2021, among whom 200 individuals were selected randomly. Then, the participants filled out the Relapse Prediction Scale (RPS), Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (MEAQ), Integrative Self-Knowledge Scale (ISK), and Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS). Data were analyzed using stepwise regression via SPSS software (version 25). The results of the study demonstrated that some of the components of experiential avoidance including distraction, distress endurance, behavioral avoidance, and distress aversion could account for 14.0% of the variance of the relapse in the addicts (P<0.05). Moreover, the obtained results considering the reflective self-knowledge component and the overall score of integrative self-knowledge could explain 15.0% of the variance in relapse in the addicts. Among the basic psychological needs, communication could predict 3.8% of the variance in relapse. Based on the results of the present study, it is suggested that through addiction treatment and prevention of relapse programs, psychologists reduce drug relapse in addicts by decreasing distractions and behavioral avoidance, increasing distress endurance, enhancing self-knowledge, and improving efficient relationships.

Factors associated with drug addiction relapse in elderly adults in Iran: A cross-sectional study

Drugs addiction relapse always complicates the process of coping with the addiction. Being aware of drug addicts’ attitudes toward barriers to permanent withdrawal can significantly affect the prevention of addiction relapse. The current study aimed at determining the factors associated with drug addiction relapse from the viewpoint of the elderly who referred to addiction treatment centers in Guilan province, Iran. The current cross-sectional study was conducted on 170 elderly who referred to addiction treatment centers in East Guilan cities; the subjects were selected by the convenience sampling method. Data collection tool in the current study was a questionnaire including 2 parts of demographic data and factors associated with addiction relapse such as physical, familial, mental, social, and economic factors. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics including chi-square test. According to the results of the current study, nervous tensions and feeling of not being addicted again were the main mental factors in addiction relapse from the viewpoint of the study subjects. There was a significant relationship between addiction relapse and demographic variables such as occupational status (P=0.001), marital status (P=0.04), and monthly income (P=0.008) in the studied elderly. According to the results of the current study, by the implementation of proper scientific programs and legislation of appropriate laws in mental-physical healthcare issues, addiction relapse can be controlled, addiction can be prevented, and health status can be enhanced in the elderly as a valuable group of the community.

Study on the Influencing Factors and Countermeasures of Drug Addicts' Relapse

The relapse of drug addicts is a global problem and has serious effects on social and personal health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influencing factors and countermeasures of drug addicts. By reviewing the literature method, the research results are summarized and analyzed. In terms of individuals, the degree of addiction and mental health status have important effects on relapse behavior; in terms of families, the quality of family relationships and family economic status are related to relapse behavior; in terms of society, social rejection, social networks, and employment barriers are related to relapse. Based on the research results, we propose systematic prevention and intervention measures, such as strengthening mental health services, strengthening government supervision and support, and strengthening family and social support. This study provides a comprehensive perspective and solution to the relapse problem of drug addicts, and provides a scientific basis for relevant policy making and improving the success rate of drug rehabilitation.

Individual, Familial and Environmental Risk Factors for Treatment Relapse Among Patients with Substance Use Disorders in Kerala: A Mixed Method Study

ABSTRACT A statewide mixed-methods study was conducted at government-funded deaddiction centers in Kerala, India, to examine the psycho-socioeconomic risk factors of addiction relapse. 435 randomly selected participants from 36 Government-funded centers were included in the quantitative assessment. Among them, 50 were purposively selected for qualitative assessment. The quantitative assessment examined self-esteem, personality dimensions, and various risk factors associated with relapse. On the other hand, the qualitative assessment explored individual, psychological, familial, societal, and economic challenges. Among the beneficiaries, 271 were current and 166 ex-beneficiaries, and among the latter, 73 had addiction relapse. Relapsed patients were younger, had relatively stable jobs, used multiple substances more frequently, and had a family history of addiction. Additionally, individual risk factors of impulsivity and environmental risk factors of association with deviant peers were prevalent. Qualitative analysis identified risk and protective factors under three major domains – individual, environmental and familial. In relapsed patients, the individual and psychological vulnerabilities were activated by social and familial triggers. Though the family was protective, the patient’s expectations from the family were dissimilar and vague, which would be clarified during the treatment process. Therefore, the research suggests developing a patient-centric and process-driven personal care plan to prevent the risk of addiction relapse.

Predictors of Relapse in Women after Substance Use Treatment: A Cross-sectional Study in the West of Iran

Background: Many individuals undergo drug addiction treatment relapse after treatment. Additionally, a few studies have focused on the unique challenges faced by women in addiction recovery. Therefore, we aimed to identify predictors of relapse among women who have undergone drug addiction treatment to develop a more effective intervention program tailored to their needs. Methods: The present cross-sectional study evaluated 320 addicted women from Lorestan province, Iran, in 2020 who had used illegal substances. Convenience sampling was used to select participants from outpatient addiction treatment centers, triangular clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Demographic characteristics, drug use patterns, and risk factors for addiction were recorded. Predictors of relapse were evaluated using a negative binomial regression model. Results: The study included women with a mean age of 34.78±9.31 years who had a history of drug addiction relapse. Around 43.44% of the women were married and 36.88% lived with their husbands. Methamphetamine, opium, and heroin were the commonly used drugs. The study found that women with primary school education had a higher rate of relapse (IRR: 1.71, p = 0.01) and women with husbands being substance users (IRR: 1.34, p = 0.014), history of imprisonment (IRR: 1.51, p = 0.002), smoking (IRR: 1.91, p &lt; 0.001), and alcohol consumption (IRR: 1.49, p = 0.005) were also associated with a higher rate of relapse. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study found that women with primary school education, husbands being substance users, history of imprisonment, smoking, and alcohol consumption behavior had a higher rate of relapse. By addressing the identified predictors of relapse, such programs can improve the success rate of addiction treatment and promote long-term recovery among women. In addition, this study highlights that addiction relapse is not necessarily caused by a single factor, and several different personal and environmental factors can influence this issue.

The Relationship between the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene Polymorphism (Val66Met) and Substance Use Disorder and Relapse.

Substance addiction is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by a recurring desire to continue using a substance despite harmful consequences. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that plays a role in the activity-dependent remodeling of neural function in adult nervous systems. This study analyzed the association of the rs6265 polymorphism of the BDNF gene in a group of patients addicted to psychoactive substances who were participating in addiction treatment for the first time, in a group of post-relapse psychoactive substance abusers and in a control group. The study also assessed personality and anxiety in all study groups. Statistically significant differences in the frequency of genotypes and alleles were found between all study groups. Compared to the control, both study groups had statistically significantly higher scores for trait and state anxiety. Addicted patients in both groups also had higher scores on the Neuroticism and Openness scales and lower scores on the Extraversion and Agreeableness scales. The results of this study provide further evidence that personality traits, anxiety and the rs6265 polymorphism of the BDNF gene may be risk factors for susceptibility to addiction to psychoactive substances. In addition, they can be a predictor of addiction relapse, but further extensive studies are required to confirm these findings.

The effectiveness of matrix therapy in resilience and relapse of amphetamine addicts

Background and Aim: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of matrix therapy in resilience and relapse in amphetamine addicts. Research method: This research was a semi-experimental type with a pre-test and post-test design, an experimental group and a control group. The statistical population of the research consists of 1,400 men addicted to amphetamines, self-referred to addiction treatment centers in Tehran. Sampling According to the sample drop, 40 people from the community were selected by available sampling method and they were randomly selected into two groups of 20 people, control and experimental, and the questionnaires of consumption temptation and Beck depression were used. Findings: The results showed that the matrix treatment was significantly different from the control group, the matrix treatment led to an increase in resilience and reduced relapse, and also the matrix treatment reduced the rate of relapse to consumption. Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that matrix therapy can be used as a complementary drug treatment in people dependent on amphetamines.

A Holistic Perspective towards Perils of and Pathways to Addiction Recovery in Pakistan: Exploring Indigenous Factors

A multi-angled approach and formation of a holistic body of insights about drug addiction relapse and recovery is the key objective of this qualitative study. Based on a Constructivist Grounded Theory methodology, a total 40 semi-structured interviews were conducted from 10 recovering persons, 10 relapsed person and 10 chief caregivers of each set of recovering and relapsed persons. Out 20 recovering and relapsed persons, 7 were within age of 18-25, 10 were within 26-35 years of age and 3 respondents were over 35 years of age. Their respective 20 chief caregivers included their parents, siblings, spouses and case managers. Furthermore, 2 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted having 4 participants i.e., Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Case Managers hailing from Drug Rehab Centers in each group. The digitally recorded interviews were transcribed/translated and further analyzed in NVIVO – Windows. Following the processes of Open, Axial and Selective Coding, five core categories of Familial, Personal, Socio-cultural, Psycho-emotive and Treatment Factors emerged to form the theoretical framework of the substantive grounded theory titled as Perils of and Pathways to Addiction Recovery. The theory connects various dimensions of the causal factors and recovery-assuring remedial measures. This framework serves as an indigenous work for developing policy, interventions and treatment. This study reveals contributing factors for the efficacy of different treatment approaches and practices in Pakistan. This five factor theoretical model has high-resolution data driven insights collected from all possible stakeholders of the eco system of falling prey to addiction and recovering from it.

The Experiences of Smokers Admitted to a Smoking Cessation Center in Samsun Regarding their Addiction: A Qualitative Study

Abstract: Background: Primary care physicians have a vital opportunity to help their patients quit smoking. They need to provide an individualized approach to them while in the cessation process in order to help them understand. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the individualized interacting factors and principles of starting, maintaining, quitting, and relapse of tobacco addiction among smokers. Materials and Methods: This qualitative research performed between March and December 2015 involved 331 smokers who had applied to the Ondokuz Mayis University, Medical Faculty Family Medicine Cessation Clinic, Türkiye. In the first meeting, a workshop (lasting approximately 1 hour) was held for all the participants (31) and recorded. In this workshop the participants discussed how they started smoking and why they wanted to quit. They reported examples of successful quitting with which they were familiar, together with any precautions they took in order to protect themselves and the people around them. Every workshop was decoded and analyzed by the researchers. Result: One hundred nineteen (35.7%) of the participants were women, and the mean age of the study group was 37.75 ± 12.41 years. Most of the participants (n=280, 85%) began smoking under the age of 18, with a close friend providing the cigarettes in the majority of cases (n=212, 64%). The main motivation differed between younger and older participants. In order to protect themselves, participants used external tar filters, smoked ‘light’ cigarettes, and refrained from smoking after eating or before sleeping. They also tended to smoke in the kitchen or on the balcony to protect other household members from their smoke. In addition, the participants increased their physical activity levels, requested more laboratory or screening tests from their physicians, and consumed healthier diets (honey, vitamin pills, and water). Conclusion: The addiction dynamics of cigarette addicts differ very widely.

Determinants and prevalence of relapse among patients with substance use disorder in a rural population: A retrospective observational study

IntroductionSubstance use relapse after successful detoxication and rehabilitation is one of the most important aspects of addiction worldwide. This study aims to examine the current prevalence of relapse and to determine the factors associated with relapse among patients with substance use disorder (SUD) in a rural population. MethodsThis single-centered retrospective observational study enrolled a total of 915 patients with SUD who visited Banna hospital, Nakhon Nayok province, Thailand, from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. Multiple logistic regression models determined the factors associated with relapse among the patients with SUD. ResultsThe substance use relapse rate in this rural Thai population was 24 % (95%CI 21.16–26.70). Multivariate analysis revealed that being over 40 years of age, single, and unemployed, and having no legal history were associated with relapse among the patients with SUD. Furthermore, family disputes, addicted friends, and addicted close relatives resulted in a major significant increase in the risk of substance use relapse. ConclusionsThe current study confirmed that family disputes, addicted friends, and addicted close relatives were the main associations with addiction relapse. Therefore, addiction rehabilitation programs based on the findings of the current study may reduce and contribute to preventing the risk of substance use relapse.

Designing a causative model of addiction relapse of married addicts based on personality and employment status with the mediator role of marital satisfaction

Designing a causative model of addiction relapse of married addicts based on personality and employment status with the mediator role of marital satisfaction

Prediction of Addiction Relapse Based on Perceived Social Support and Childhood Trauma.

The adverse effects of addiction relapse have always been major challenges in addiction treatment. Perceived social support and childhood trauma are determinants of drug addiction and relapse prevention. The current study aimed to predict drug addiction relapse based on perceived social support and childhood trauma in drug addiction treatment centers in Qom, Iran. The present study examined 320 individuals, who visited drug addiction treatment centers in Qom, Iran and were selected using the purposive sampling method. The data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire, the Social Support Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), and the Addiction Relapse Frequency Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and independent t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson test, and multivariate regression. The research results indicated that 49.4% (n=158) of cases used opium. The results of multivariate regression of the factors related to addiction relapse indicated that the childhood trauma score had a significant effect on the relapse of more than 3 times in a way that childhood trauma increased the relapse rate of more than 3 times by 13%, but social support caused a significant reduction in the relapse rate of more than 3 times. The research findings indicated that addiction relapse had a significant relationship with childhood trauma and perceived social support. The results can be a guide for future studies to expand psychological knowledge about the determinants of the treatment and prevention of addiction relapse and help to develop psychological explanations of this disorder.

Environmental Impact on Relapse and Motivation Recovery Among Drug Addicts

Drug abuse has been proven to be a mental disorder because of the heavy intake of substances usage controlled by the environment. Environmental factors play a significant role in drug addiction and recovery. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding environmental factors contributing to relapse and hinder motivation for recovery among drug addicts in Malaysia. Therefore, the objective of this research is to find out the impact of the environment on drug relapse and motivation recovery in former addicts. For this purpose, a cross-sectional research design was utilized whereby a self-administered questionnaire was randomly distributed among 50 Malaysian drug addicts. Data were analysed through IBM SPSS software version 25.0, and the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach supported by Smart-PLS 3.3 to analyse the research model. The findings of the study indicated that the environment significantly impacts motivation recovery and relapse. Furthermore, the positive environment influences motivation for recovery in former addicts and pushes the addicts to relapse after rehabilitation. The study will provide insights into the environmental factors that contribute to drug addiction and relapse in Malaysia.