Novel Insights into Addiction Management: A Meta-Analysis on Intervention for Relapse Prevention

Background and Objectives: Addiction and relapse prevention of alcohol and drug users is a real problem globally. Studies report different pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods in preventing relapse with varying ranges of results across the time of relapse. The study aims to identify novel insights into relapse prevention for high-risk alcohol and drug addiction across diverse global populations, ages, and intervention types during detoxification. Materials and Methods: This meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines, synthesizing 12 eligible studies published between 2013 and 2023, totaling 2162 participants. Data extraction and statistical analysis were conducted using Python-based libraries. Regression models were applied to examine the influence of age, gender, and intervention type on the mean relapse period. Results: 12 studies with 2162 patients were identified. These studies examined substances, interventions, and demographics, highlighting male predominance in addictive behaviors. OSL regression assessed factors influencing mean relapse periods, finding that age explained 44.2% of the variability (p = 0.0131). The male percentage explained 17.1%, but the significance was inconclusive, as was the female gender's negligible impact (14.7% variability). Intervention types significantly influenced relapse periods, supported by a large F-statistic. Linear regression showed no consistent trend in relapse periods, with declining research post-2018. Forest plots indicated disparities in relapse periods due to treatment or methodology. Most participants were high-risk drug users, though alcohol use was also represented. A declining trend in publication rates after 2018 was observed. Conclusions: Age and intervention type were identified as key factors influencing relapse duration, while gender and substance-specific effects require further study. The findings underscore the need for more targeted, gender-sensitive, and context-aware treatment strategies.