Understanding the laps and relapse process: in-depth interviews with individual who use methamphetamine

Abstract

Objective The high rate of treatment failure is a common problem in the treatment of methamphetamine use. Therefore, the aim of this research is to identify the most common causes of relapse in methamphetamine users. Method This is a qualitative study and of content analysis type. Information was collected using purposeful sampling and through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The statistical population consisted of all people with the methamphetamine-use disorder in 2022 who were in the abstinence phase and participated in the meetings of the Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Center of Bojnord. Theoretical sampling continued until data saturation. A total of 10 one-on-one interviews were conducted, each lasting between 45 to 80 min. Additionally, two focus group interviews were conducted with six members in each group, lasting between 95 to 110 min and data saturation was achieved through these interviews. Data analysis was done using the content analysis method (Sterling). Recoding and Holsti's method were used to measure reliability; validity was then calculated through content validity assessment. Findings The results of the thematic analysis showed that laps and relapse factors were identified and categorized into 5 organizing themes, including negative emotional states, positive emotional states, negative physical states, interpersonal factors, and environmental factors, consisting of 39 basic themes. Result Identifying the risk factors leading to laps and relapse in methamphetamine users and increasing the knowledge in this field can lay the groundwork for preventive therapeutic interventions in this community.

Relapse Tendency among Individuals with Substance Use: Exploring the influence of Family Dynamic and Drug Abstinence Self - Efficacy

“…Additionally, family conflict and criticism have been linked to a higher risk of relapse in those with alcohol use disorder (O'Farrell et al, 2003). Poor family functioning has also been associated with negative emotions and interpersonal problems (Kaviyani et al, 2023).…”

Factors Associated with Relapses in Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder

“…For example, in a study conducted with patients with methamphetamine use disorder, it was shown that positive emotions during use and negative emotions when not using increased relapses. 62 …”

“…In studies evaluating relapses in patients with cocaine or methamphetamine use disorder, it has been shown that social factors such as homelessness, unemployment, low family income, lack of social support, poor living and family conditions increase relapses. 47 , 62 …”

Psychometric validation of the Chinese Version of the stimulant relapse risk scale (SRRS) in patients with methamphetamine use disorder

“…Therefore, the development of a reliable tool to assess the relapse risk of those with MUD is indispensable in clinical service. Assessment of the relapse risk is complicated because various dimensions may jointly influence the risk of relapse, such as craving [ 12 ], stress [ 13 ], negative emotional states, and cognitive function [ 14 , 15 ], and thus underscoring the necessity to incorporate multiple factors when developing tools to assess relapse risk for individuals who use substance. So far, only limited instruments have been developed to achieve this goal.…”