Risk factors associated with relapse of drug dependence after treatment and rehabilitation in areas under the influence of war on terror

Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Imran Khan, Faiza Mumtaz, Faridullah Shah, Rosana C Ximenes, Vahid Nikoui, Abdul Wahab

Abstract


Background: People exposed to war on terror are more prone to neuropsychiatric disorders and drug addiction. The present study was aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with relapse of drug dependence after treatment and rehabilitation in areas under the influence of war and terrorism.

Methods: Total 57 individuals who had a relapse from the war affected area were included in current study. Retrospective data were collected from Drug Detoxification and Health Welfare Research Center, Bannu, KPK, Pakistan. Along with demographic characteristics, current study also focused on the prevalence of psychological problems due to war, in association with prevalence of relapse.

Results: A total of 93% of Individuals with relapse have concurrent stress. Similarly, depression was also common in 78.9% of relapsed individuals. Relapse was more common in Polydrug abusers (66.7%) as compared to single drug abusers. As far as abstinence duration is concerned, subjects having depression and stress due to war, relapsed in less time as compared to individuals with no psychological disorders.

Conclusion: Wars are related with mental and psychological problems like stress and depression and these factors significantly contribute to the relapse of drug dependence as suggested by results of current study.

Keywords: Drug addiction; Relapse; War on terror; Depression


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References


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