Coping behaviors and relapse precipitants in opioid dependence: a study from North India

This study was undertaken to evaluate the reasons for lapse, relapse and the coping behaviors in a group of recently abstinent subjects with opioid dependence. Retrospective qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the reasons for lapse, relapse and coping behaviors were done using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Eighty-four subjects from inpatient and outpatient settings of a Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, who had used illicit opioids after at least 3 weeks abstinence in the last 6-month period, were included. Coping behaviors, reasons for lapse and relapse were assessed and it was found that environmental factors are important for first use and physiological experiences related to drug use for regular use. There were significant differences in the use of coping behaviors by the currently abstinent and currently using subjects in the index abstinence. The study provides information about coping behaviors and reasons for lapse/relapse in an Indian setting.