Listening to our clients: the prevention of relapse

A survey to assess the most common reasons for relapse was developed and administered to 335 individuals who were current clients in various levels of care in a large substance abuse treatment program in order to better understand what factors were most relevant for relapse among these clients. Several reasons for relapse were chosen significantly more often than others. Common reasons for relapse for both men and women were the following: feeling bored, feeling anxious or stressed, wanting to use and get high, believing that use could occur without getting readdicted, and relationship problems and break up. In addition, men also commonly reported anger, having too much money, and no longer attending meetings as significant reasons for relapse. Among female clients, depression, loneliness, and the pain of withdrawal were among their top reasons for relapse. As a result of this survey, specific groups were developed and implemented in an effort to better address the unique reasons for relapse that our clients most commonly reported. It is hoped that the addition of these groups will help to improve overall treatment outcome of the clients who are served by the agency.