The relationship between income generation, increasing substance dependence and the risk of relapse: a cross-sectional study of drug treatment facilities

ABSTRACT

Objective

This study explores the relationship between income generation, increasing substance dependence, and the risk of relapse among drug treatment inpatients after their primary drug treatment in the Philippines.

Methods

We collected 632 patients’ data using a survey questionnaire at five drug treatment facilities – two each in Metro Manila (Luzon), Cebu and Iloilo (Visayas), and Davao City (Mindanao) – representing the Philippines’ three principal geographical regions, from July to September 2019.

Results

Participants who reported substance dependence were distributed as follows: 20 (42.55%) high nicotine dependent users, 49 (41.88%) alcohol users, 51 (39.53%) methamphetamine users, and 35 (52.24%) cannabis or marijuana users. All were found among poor- to low-income earners. The adjusted odds ratios for the past-30-day substance use were calculated from occupations (formal, informal) of men and women using multiple logistic regression, and the results were: AOR = 7.96, 95% CI = 4.61–13.73 and AOR = 3.96, 95% CI = 1.69–9.24, respectively, with p < .005.

Conclusions

Policymakers should facilitate economic interventions (livelihood/training skills) and prevention programs to address drug relapse among low- to poor-income earners admitted to rehabilitation centers for primary drug treatment (six months).

KEYWORDS:

• Drug dependence
• income generation
• occupation
• relapse
• treatment rehabilitation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).