Substance use, relapse risks, and avoiding relapse three months after inpatient SUD treatment
Keywords:
inpatient SUD treatment, relapse, substance use, changeAbstract
Recovery from substance abuse is rarely a straightforward process and relapse after treatment is common. This research focuses on substance use, relapse risks, and tools for avoiding relapse three months after inpatient substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Participants (N=65) filled out a questionnaire in the beginning and three months after their inpatient treatment. Data was analyzed with methods suitable for small datasets and with qualitative content analysis. Nearly half of the participants were abstinent three months after treatment. Also, over half of the participants had reached their goal which was set in the beginning of the treatment. Feelings of pressure to relapse were common and risk factors were unique. Participants describe that social situations, managing everyday life actions, and mental health issues raises relapse risks. Most common tool for avoiding relapse is peer support group and participants also feel it has been efficient. Professional support and interval treatment periods in inpatient treatment facility were related to lesser use of substances in follow up. Inpatient treatment has many positive consequences on participants life, which are present three months after treatment.
