PREVALENCE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE RELAPSE AND ITS RISK FACTORS AMONG PATIENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, KWARA STATE

Abstract

Background: Substance abuse relapse refers to the recurrence of substance use following a period of abstinence. Globally, relapse rates range from 32% to 91%, and projections by the World Health Organization indicate a potential 40% increase by 2030 in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. Aim and Objectives: To determine the prevalence, common types, and risk factors associated with substance abuse relapse among patients managed at the Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) between 2020 and 2024. Methods: A retrospective survey design was adopted. Purposive sampling was used to select all records of patients admitted between January 2020 and December 2024. A total of 246 patients were identified as having relapsed. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27 and results presented with descriptive statistics. Results: Relapse was most common among individuals aged 18–40 years. Males accounted for 80.9% of cases. Most relapsed patients had secondary education (45.1%), and students formed the largest occupational group (32.5%). Most respondents were single (57%), and 67.1% experienced a single relapse episode. The cumulative relapse prevalence was 76.4%, with the highest rate recorded in 2020. Codeine was the most abused substance (20%). Major risk factors included continued substance use (20.3%), non-adherence to treatment (17.1%), stress (16.7%), and peer pressure (15.9%). Additional contributors included poor family support and co-morbid psychiatric conditions. Conclusion and Recommendation: Substance abuse relapse remains a significant challenge. Strengthened treatment adherence, improved family and community support, and enhanced coping strategies are recommended to reduce relapse and promote sustained recovery