ALCOHOL RELAPSE AND ITS DETERMINANTS AMONG PATIENTS WITH ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE SYNDROME:A ONE YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN A SUBURBAN CHENNAI DE-ADDICTION CENTER

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to identify key predictors of relapse among male inpatients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS) by examining clinical, demographic and psychosocial factors with the goal of enhancing relapse prevention strategies and tailoring interventions for this high-risk population.

Methods

A one-year retrospective cohort study was conducted on male inpatients who completed ADS treatment in a tertiary care setting. Data on substance use patterns, demographic characteristics, mental health history and admission records were collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify significant predictors of relapse.

Results

Among the sample, 38.3% experienced relapse within a year of treatment. Significant predictors of relapse included duration of substance use, early onset of dependent drinking, history of drug abuse, lower literacy levels, antidepressant prescriptions and prior treatment admissions. Each of these factors was independently associated with relapse risk after adjusting for other covariates.

Conclusions

The study highlights the importance of addressing extended substance use history, early onset, polysubstance abuse, mental health support and literacy limitations in ADS treatment programs. Tailoring relapse prevention strategies based on these risk factors may improve long term sobriety outcomes in male ADS inpatients.