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Relapse precipitants in Nigerian drug abusers
R A Lawal1, J D Adeyemi, O B Orija
1Department of Psychiatry, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
The Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal
|July 16, 2004
Summary
Emotional states are key triggers for relapse in Nigerian substance abuse patients. Addressing these during treatment and after discharge is crucial for sustained recovery and preventing relapse.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Substance abuse poses a significant challenge in Nigeria.
- Understanding relapse precipitants is vital for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the factors that trigger relapse in patients admitted for substance abuse in a Nigerian psychiatric hospital.
- To inform the development of targeted intervention strategies.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 82 admitted drug abuse patients.
- Marlatt's categories were used to assess high-risk situations for relapse.
Main Results:
- The study population was predominantly male (87.9%), unmarried (53.7%), and employed professionals (32%).
- Most patients used two or three different substances.
- The primary relapse determinants were coping with negative emotions and enhancing positive emotions.
Conclusions:
- Emotional states are significant precipitants of relapse in Nigerian substance abusers.
- Integrating assessments of emotional states into admission and post-discharge care is recommended.
- Marlatt's relapse precipitant categories can aid in designing interventions to promote sustained abstinence.