Exploring Drug Addicts’ Relapse Triggers

Sample from United Arab Emirates

Authors

  • Alyaa Aljasmi University of Sharjah - College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Dr. Mohamed Alhorani University of Sharjah - College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Dr. Fatima Algharbawi University of Sharjah - College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31973/7anmny16

Keywords:

relapse, Drugs, addiction, trigger

Abstract

Relapse into substance use after completing detoxification and rehabilitation treatment is a worldwide public, social, and health concern. In general, the relapse rate for substance use disorder patients is 40 to 60 percent. Although substance use remains a burden in the UAE, very little is known about relapse among substance use disorder (SUD) patients. Therefore, this study aims to examine the triggers associated with relapse to substance use at one of the treatment centers. This study is essential to implement an integrated intervention to address relapse in various stages of recovery, from accepting the patient to their reintegration into the community.

The methodology of the current qualitative study is based on in-depth interviews with 30 SUD patients at Treatment Center, simultaneously achieving two methodological goals: tracking the addiction process from leaving the center to navigating the surrounding environment, involving family, friends, and work, and identifying the unique experiences of the respondents.

The studies produced several findings: The study explores therapeutic, social, and personal triggers, including exposure to the drug after quitting, self-desire, and readiness to use after interacting with these triggers. First, the therapeutic triggers (receiving, internal treatment, therapeutic programs, integration plan with society, etc.) serve as a main trigger for relapse. The second category is social triggers, which are elements of the outside world that can lead, such as exposure to drugs, family, friends, and the workplace. In addition to the personal reasons for relapse includes "the powerlessness to exercise self-control, negativity from both the addict and others around them, considering drug trafficking as a means of generating income, linking drug use to happiness, depression, pain, and loneliness, and not accepting life without drugs."

The study recommends developing and improving the existing motivational and therapeutic programs to address relapse, enabling fundamental changes in the therapeutic phase and social integration. Additionally, inclusion plans should be enhanced to address the recovered individuals' needs for community reintegration. Future studies are also recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of existing relapse prevention programs and adjust prevention plans and strategies.

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Author Biographies

  • Dr. Mohamed Alhorani, University of Sharjah - College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

     ACADEMIC RANKASSOCIATE PROFESSOR at Sharjah University since 2016

    PHD Sociology (sociological Theory), Univ. of Jordan, 2006.

    Research Interests:
    • Applied Sociological Theory, Ethnic Groups, Civil Society, Social Movements & Revolutions, Gender, Social Capital, Cultural Trauma, Immigration.
  • Dr. Fatima Algharbawi, University of Sharjah - College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

    ACADEMIC RANK - LECTURER

    -PhD in philosophy in Applied Sociology,University of Sharjah,2022

    Specialization:
    • Sociology, philosophy in development policies
    Research Interests:
    • Gender issues, substance abuse and addiction, social policies, education and its transformations.

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Published

2024-09-15

Issue

Section

Sociology

How to Cite

Exploring Drug Addicts’ Relapse Triggers: Sample from United Arab Emirates. (2024). Al-Adab Journal, 150, 71-94. https://doi.org/10.31973/7anmny16

Publication Dates

Received

2023-10-29

Revised

2023-11-19

Accepted

2023-11-21

Published Online First

2024-09-15

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