Relapse Rates in Substance Misuse and the Role of Family

Relapse is defined as returning to an addictive pattern of substance use behaviors after a period of abstinence. Relapse triggered by cues associated with drugs of abuse is a hallmark of addiction and is a primary contributor to impeding success in maintaining abstinence. Abusers of alcohol, opioids (heroin, morphine, or methadone), central nervous system stimulants (cocaine or methamphetamine), and hallucinogens (ketamine) have shown various relapse rates. Poor family and social support are regarded as important predictors of relapse in substance use disorders (SUDs) or poor adherence to addiction treatment. Parent substance use and parent experience of a SUD can have negative effects on children. Experimental studies have revealed that an integrated care program containing family therapy is beneficial for behavioral health outcomes or relapse prevention for substance users. Additionally, studies have also shown that family-based behavioral treatment programs offer promise for substance-abusing mothers and the issue of consequent child neglect.