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Prone to relapse once addicted

Addiction is typically viewed as an illness prone to relapse and the need for re-engagement with a detox program. Therefore, it is important to establish relapse triggers so that individuals may maintain their abstinence in the long-term future.

An article by Ellis, Bernichon, Yu, Roberts and Herrell (2004) looked into some of the factors that can affect relapse in drug dependent women. In particular, they examined the effect of social relationships on drug abstinence before engagement in treatment and six months after completion. The authors used data from a number of addicts in order to determine the effect of family relations, friends’ activities and spousal substance abuse on relapse.

The findings suggest that the three factors had very little effect before the participant entered treatment. However, all three had significant effects post-treatment. Returning to positive family relationships after treatment resulted in a lower relapse rate than participants who did not have such relationships in place. Participants were also three and a half times more likely to relapse if most or all of their friends continued to use substances compared to those whose friends did not take drugs. Spousal drug use or drug use by significant others also resulted in higher relapse rates.

These findings are in line with previous literature in the field of addiction and relapse rates. They highlight again the necessity of a supportive social network upon completing detox programs and other such treatments for addiction. They also show the benefits of building up such supportive relationships whilst individuals are in treatment. These are just some of the factors that will help people stay drug free.

References

Ellis, B., Bernichon, T., Yu, P., Roberts, T., & Herrell, J. (2004). Effects of social support on substance abuse relapse in a residential treatment centre for women. Evaluation and Program Planning, 27,213-221.

Published by on 25/01/2012.

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