Relapse Among Patients Referring to Residential Rehabilitation Centers for Drug Use Disorders in Iran and Its Related Factors

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine the individual characteristics of clients who were referred to residential rehabilitation centers for drug use disorders and to determine their relapse-related factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on ۵۷۶ patients who were referred to nine residential treatment centers for drug use disorders, chosen by the cluster sampling method. A self-constructed questionnaire to assess personal and addictive characteristics was applied. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Independent t-test. Multiple regression models were applied to determine the factors affecting the time of relapse. Results: The average interval between quitting drug use and relapse was found to be ۴.۷ months with a standard deviation of ۴.۱. Age and relapse were found to be correlated (۰.۱۹۳), but the correlation was not found to be statistically significant (P=۰.۱۲). There was significant correlation between occupational status (P=۰.۰۱۴) and number of attempts to quit drug use (P=۰.۰۱۹) with relapse. In addition, there were significant correlations between relapse time with injection history (P=۰.۰۳۵), victim’s history (P=۰.۰۴۷), risky sexual behaviors (P=۰.۰۲۲), sexual dysfunction (P=۰.۰۱۹), having a consumer as a close friend (P=۰.۰۰۱), another drug user in family (P=۰.۰۰۱), compulsory treatment (P=۰.۰۳۳), and alcohol consumption (P=۰.۰۴۱). There was no significant relationship between relapse with duration of addiction, type of abused drug, education, staying longer in centers, and marital status. Discussion: There is a high chance of relapse in case of patients who seek treatment in residential rehabilitation centers for drug use disorders. Paying attention to the patients’ social status and especially their occupation and connection with the treatment center after discharge reduces possibility of relapse.