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

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 576 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 4.7 months with a standard deviation of 4.1. Age and relapse were found to be correlated (0.193), but the correlation was not found to be statistically significant (P=0.12). There was significant correlation between occupational status (P=0.014) and number of attempts to quit drug use (P=0.019) with relapse. In addition, there were significant correlations between relapse time with injection history (P=0.035), victim’s history (P=0.047), risky sexual behaviors (P=0.022), sexual dysfunction (P=0.019), having a consumer as a close friend (P=0.001), another drug user in family (P=0.001), compulsory treatment (P=0.033), and alcohol consumption (P=0.041). 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.