Determinants of relapse and re-admission among alcohol abusers after intensive residential treatment

Abstract

Little information is available in Belgium on the number and characteristics of alcohol abusers who contact treatment agencies and on the effectiveness of these services. International research has identified some determinants of relapse and recovery after treatment, but additional research is needed in order to better tailor services to the needs of service users.This study aimed at measuring abstinence and relapse among alcohol abusers (n = 249) after intensive, residential treatment in specialized units in five Belgian psychiatric hospitals. Six month outcomes concerning substance use, psychological health, social support and integration were studied using the EuropASI. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of relapse and readmission.Significant reductions in the severity of alcohol and psychological problems were observed, but six months after the initial treatment episode more than half of all respondents (54%) had been using alcohol regularly. The domains 'psychiatric problems' and 'patients' personal perspectives' were the best predictors of relapse and readmission. Also, 'patients' living situations' predicted relapse. Specific variables that independently predicted relapse were 'satisfaction with day activities' and 'number of days with problems due to alcohol'. Less severe psychiatric problems at the start of treatment and more severe psychiatric problems and negative feelings of wellbeing at the time of follow-up were independent predictors of readmission.We conclude that treatment agencies need to recognize the relapsing nature of alcohol abuse and have to organize their services from a continuing care perspective, including specific attention for individuals' psychological needs and day/leisure activities.

Postdetoxification Factors Predicting Alcohol‐Related Emergency Room Visits 12 to 24 Months After Discharge: Results from a Prospective Study of Patients with Alcohol Dependence

“…In our adult patients, this could indicate the influence of housing difficulties and/or a unstable living environment. As living with children was a protective factor, our findings highlight the importance of the impact of living and family situations on treatment outcomes (Humphreys et al., ; Vanderplasschen et al., ). Conversely, alcohol consumption and psychiatric symptoms at baseline were not related to ER visits, confirming that the impact of early changes after participation in a detoxification program should be investigated.…”

Treatment Seeking Pattern of Relapse Cases of Substance Use Disorder in Bangladesh

“…Rehabilitation of 31 to 90 days was most common treatment approach in Bangladeshi substance users, followed by Detoxification and Rehabilitation (90-180 days) and Rehabilitation (16 to 30 days). Previous study has supported that substance users should undergo rehabilitation, counseling, behavioural therapy and physiotherapy 15 which is supportive to our study. Our study found most common treatment approaches were individual and group counseling, psycho-social session, life skill session, family counseling and couple counseling.…”

Cannabis-Related treatment demands in Belgium: a socio-demographic and treatment seeking profile

“…After all, it is generally acknowledged that treatment which is adapted to clients' needs and characteristics (e.g. type of substance abuse) is more effective [ 22 ].…”