Research News

Supervised by Dr. Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman

Abstract

The present study was conducted to find out the psycho-social factors related to relapse of drug addiction, to see whether the psychological factors are contributory to relapse, to see whether the social factors are contributory to relapse. For this purpose 60 cases (30 relapsed and 30 non-relapsed cases) were selected. Among these 60, all of them were selected for quantitative analysis to whom a questionnaire combining 38 items were given and among these 60, 20 cases (10 relapsed and 10 non-relapsed eases) were selected for qualitative analysis to whom in-depth clinical interview was applied. All samples were taken from three drug addiction rehabilitation centers of Dhaka metropolitan area. The research questions of the study were; who are those clients mostly vulnerable to relapse after detoxification? and why some clients are more vulnerable to relapse than others? The objectives of the study depending on research questions were; whether the people who are vulnerable in terms of Intra-personal/psychological factors are more prone to relapse? Whether the people who are vulnerable in terms of Inter-personal/social factors are more prone to relapse? Whether one or more of the Intra-personal/psychological factors or one or more of the Inter personal/social factors or combination of any one or more of these factors together can predict the occurrence of relapse? Whether the Intra-personal or Inter-personal factors or both of the factors contribute to relapse? Several models of relapse that are based on social-cognitive or behavioural theories emphasize relapse as a transitional process, a series of events that unfold over time (Annis, 1986; Litman, 1979; Marlatt & Gordon, 1985). According to these models, the relapse process begins prior to the first post treatment drug use and continues after the initial use (Mary E. Larimer; Rebeka S. Palmer; G Alan Marlatt, 1999). Reasons cited by addicts for their relapses are diverse and include depression, anxiety, positive mood, social pressure, adverse life events, work stress, and marital conflict (Billings & Moos, 1983; Cummings, Gordon, &. Marlatt, 1980; Litman, Stapleton & Oppenheim,"1983; McKay, 1999). Relapse results from an interaction of affective, behavioral, cognitive, envirormiental, physiological, psychological, spiritual, interpersonal, and treatment factors (Daley, 1987; Daley, 1991). All samples were male. Their age range was between 18 to 41 years and their mean age was 27.63 (SD ~ 4.231). The items of the questionnaire were selected through expert judge evaluation. Face validity of the questionnaire was seen for this purpose. Test-retest reliability done on 30 individuals that revealed satisfactory (r = 0.923, a < 0.01) result. Self-report method was applied on clients’ in this study. The scoring of the items was done through 4-point Likert format. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used as a measurement tool for quantitative finding. For qualitative data collection, a topic guide related to the objectives was followed. To analyze the results quantitatively. Logistic Regression Analysis (Binary Linear Regression) was applied. And, to analyze the results qualitatively. Qualitative Analysis was applied. It was found that ‘negative emotion’ has strong contribution on relapse among the psychological/intra-personal factors. Other psychological/intra personal factors like ‘self-efficacy and ‘lack of assertiveness’, also have contribution on relapse but less than the factor “negative emotion’. Among social factors/inter-personal factors, ‘peer pressure’ has contribution on relapse. This means, psychological/intra-personal factors were more contributory to relapse than social factors/inter-personal factors but both factors (psychological/intra personal factors and social factors/inter-personal factors) have combined contribution on relapse. This finding concludes that psycho-social factors have contribution on relapse. There are some other reasons were found contributory to relapse of addiction. Those are, to feel better for a while (for some moments or days for the experimentation of getting more euphoria); become bound to take treatment by family members against clients will; breakdown of intimate relation like, affair break, loosing friendship; loss in business; unlimited idle/leisure time (have nothing to do); heroism; to keep body fit from withdrawal symptoms, unhealthiness; fear of rejection; availability of drug and money; lack of strict legal implication; lack of proper treatment service; lack of rehabilitation; employment problem; lack of proper counseling and clinical services etc.