Factors Associated with Relapse from the Perspective of Drug Abusers in Self-Referral Centers Affiliated with the Welfare Organization for Addiction Treatment

Abstract

Addiction is a complex and difficult issue, with relapses occurring in about 50 to 70 percent of addicts after quitting. To better understanding the factors associated with relapse, we conducted a study from the perspective of drug abusers in self-referral centers affiliated with the Welfare Organization of Bandar-e Anzali. Our sample consisted of 181 men referred to addiction treatment centers in Bandar-e Anzali in 1400. We used a researcher-made questionnaire to collect data on demographic information and factors related to relapse. Our findings revealed that associating with addicted and deviant friends (2.62%) was the most important factor associated with relapse from the perspective of addicts. Based on our results, we suggest that training and intervention for assertiveness (the skill of saying no) in front of friends and changing clients’ lifestyles, as well as teaching interpersonal relationships and moderation to family members after quitting drug use, are necessary.

Keywords

• abuse
• addiction
• drugs
• relapse
• self-referral