A Study of Factors Affecting Relapse in Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a global problem with geographical variations in patterns of abuse. Studies from substance abuse prevalent areas play a major role in understanding of factors predicting relapse. A cross sectional study was planned to asses various factors determining relapse in substance abusers. 40 patients of substance abuse relapse were compared with 40 abstinent subjects as controls. All subjects were assessed on sociodemographic characteristics and history of substance abuse, and then subjected to Family typology scale, Family interaction scale, Presumptive stressful life events scale, Eyesenck's personality questionnaire and Multidemensional scale of perceived social support. We found that relapse was more in substance abusers of less than 30 years age, those having lower educational and socioeconomic status, unemployed, having family history of substance abuse and past history of crime. Early age of onset of abuse, and poor follow up after detoxification were also associated with relapse, in addition to poor family and social support.