Long-term relapse prevention strategies among poly-substance users in Ghana: New insights for clinical practice

Abstract

In spite of several decades of research and treatment efforts, the rate of relapse to substance abuse remains high, averaging about 75% within a 3- to 6-month duration after treatment. Recent research has focused on exploring contextually relevant relapse prevention approaches. This study explores relapse prevention strategies utilized by individuals to support their abstinence efforts four years after treatment for poly-substance use disorders in a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Unit in Ghana. Using a qualitative exploratory approach (descriptive phenomenology), semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 individuals previously treated for poly-substance use disorders. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically with an inductive approach. Participants employed a multitude of factors and strategies, including finding a sense of purpose and meaning in life, religious and spiritual engagements, family and social support, and self-initiated schemes to maintain long-term sobriety. Clinicians should collaborate with and thoroughly explore personal, familial, and contextual factors and strategies that support the abstinence efforts of individuals recovering from poly-substance use disorder.

Keywords:

• Poly-substance abuse
• long-term relapse
• mental health
• relapse prevention strategies
• qualitative study
• Ghana

Acknowledgement

The author hereby acknowledges the financial support received from the Office of Research Innovations and Development (ORID) of the University of Ghana, through the Christian Health Association of Ghana/Department for International Development (CHAG/DFID) Grant for Mental Health Research for Graduate Students in 2013.

Disclosure statement

The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.