Psychosocial Precipitants and Rate of Relapse of Substance Abusers: A Case Study of Sunyani Metropolis

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the psychosocial precipitants and rate of relapse among substance abusers in the Sunyani Metropolis, Ghana. A total of 30 respondents comprising 15 relapsed (with their primary care-givers), 10 non-relapsed, 3 psychiatric nurses, 1 psychiatrist and 1 psychotherapist were recruited for the study. The study employed a qualitative research design. Data was analysed using Thematic Analysis. The rate of relapse was computed quantitatively using relapsed respondents‟ retrospective data. Consistent with literature, the study found a number of psychosocial factors at the individual, familial, societal and treatment facility levels that worked together to precipitate relapse. A number of personal, clinical and some contextual relapse prevention strategies have been successfully used by non-relapsed respondents in preventing relapse. Some biopsychosocial consequences of relapse were reported by respondents. Findings are expected to guide clinicians and caregivers in identifying psychosocial factors that militate against relapse prevention efforts and to develop a more effective relapse prevention strategy.