Predictor Factor on Relapse among Former Addicts

Abstract

The inclination to relapse among drug addicts is related to the desire of former addicts to relapse drugs after the end of their treatment and rehabilitation process. Identifying the predictor factor for the inclination to relapse among former addicts could not only prevent relapse, but also recognise the largest influence in their lives that contribute to their relapse. This study uses the questionnaires of the Inventory of Drug-Taking Situations, General Self Efficacy, Coping Strategy and Social Provisions Scale. The findings show there are six identifiable significant predictor variables and the main contributors to the inclination to relapse; problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, avoidance coping, self-efficacy, family support, and peer support towards the inclination to relapse. Based on the results, it could be concluded that these six predictor variables have been identified as significant and the main contributors to the inclination to relapse. The findings also found self-efficacy to have a significant effect on the inclination to relapse. This study could indirectly aid the government in their efforts to overcome the drug problem, and benefit the affected parties in formulating various rehabilitation and prevention programmes for former addicts, as failure to solve this problem not only threatens the lives of individuals, but also the national social and economic development. Introduction The inclination to relapse is one of the psychological and behavioural problems. According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 2014, more than 50 per cent of drug addicts are inclined to relapse after the end of their treatment and rehabilitation process. They are close to high-risk situations to relapse due to negative responses and inability to counter these responses. Although some former addicts have the self-restraint to relapse drugs, other are unable to overcome their desire to re-use. Multiple factors have been identified to influence drug addicts to relapse drugs and fulfil one’s needs. Therefore, they require strength to fight the desire for drugs (Bowen, Witkiewitz, Clifasefi, Grow, Chawla & Hsu, 2014). Studies on this International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences Vol. 1 0 , No. 16, Youth and Community Wellbeing: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Empowerment V2. 2020, E-ISSN: 2222-6990 © 2020 HRMARS 280 issue have been carried out by many scholars in the West (such as Bowen, Chawla & Marlatt, 2010, Greenfield, Brooks, Gordon, Green, Krop & McHugh, 2007; White, Campbell, Spencer, Hoffman, Crissman & DuPont, 2014; Tate, Brown, Glasner, Unrod & McQuaid, 2006), but similar studies in Malaysia on the inclination to relapse is still inconsistent. Studies in the West mostly found the inclination to relapse to be caused by certain factors, such as self-pressure, emotional stress, social environmental stress, such as family support, peer support, and societal support. In addition, the inclination to relapse scenario among addicts in Malaysia is also significant based on social environmental factors, personal stress, emotional stress, and interpersonal conflict, leading to the increase in the number of repeating addicts every year (Fauziah & Naresh Kumar, 2009; Mahmud Mazlan, Schottenfeld & Chawarski, 2006; Xu, 2014). Previous studies prove the inclination to relapse is not only caused by cognitive factors, but also by social environment such as family support, peer support, and societal support. These factors are closely linked and interplayed in the environmental system. This indirectly shows the importance in the role of the individual and the people around them, such as parents, peers, and members of society, in ensuring former drug addicts are successful in overcoming their desire for drugs. Marlatt and Gordon (1985) explain there are two general definitions of relapse: (i) a disease symptom that returns after treatment and (ii) an action that indicates that patients either recover or become worse and incurable. Meanwhile, Gorski and Gossop, Green and Phillips (1989) define relapse as drug relapse after a stage of abstinence from drug use. However, the term ‘relapse’ from the quantity of drug re-use, either occasionally or continuously, is still debated among most scholars. Therefore, they require detailed planning to ensure their preparedness in facing any pressure and overcome difficulties, especially when they are financially lacking. Former addicts require a coping strategy to manage situations beyond their adjustment point. Coping basically is an action-oriented and intrapsychic effort to overcome, endure, reduce, or minimise both internal and environmental pressures and conflicts. Furthermore, coping also refers to behaviour to control and overcome threats and challenges due to stress. It brings out positive effects for the individual, such as reducing and improving self-satisfaction. This viewpoint is in line with the research by Cornelius, Maisto and Pollock (2003), who studied 59 adolescents with drug problems and have completed their treatment and rehabilitation. This study found that around 66% of respondents have relapsed within six months after treatment and rehabilitation, and the average for drug use relapse is on the 54th day, or almost two months after the end of treatment and rehabilitation. The results show this happens because addicts are unable to control themselves, leading to aggressiveness, acting out of control of expectation. Therefore, they require the avoidance coping strategy to guard against internal stress. In addition, following the rehabilitation process for addicts is too complex, as they are often depicted as suffering from chronic disturbances, and potentially susceptible to relapse after treatment. Former addicts require social support to escape drug use. Among these support structures include family, peers, and society. These social supports can help drug addicts to experience positive changes in healing and forming trust with themselves. Sharma, Upadhyaya, Bansal, Nijhawan, and Sharma (2012), in their study focuses on 226 adolescent drug addicts between the ages of 13 and 20 years. This study International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences Vol. 1 0 , No. 16, Youth and Community Wellbeing: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Empowerment V2. 2020, E-ISSN: 2222-6990 © 2020 HRMARS 281 uses the Causes of Drug Misuse Scale (CADAS) and the Cures for Drug Misuse Scale. The findings show a link between family support and the inclination to relapse, with r=.315, p