Severity of methamphetamine relapses of individuals receiving substance-dependency treatment at Thanyarak Institute.

Abstract

Objective : To study the severity relapse of methamphetamine or ya-ba use and its related factors.

Methods : Data from 250 methamphetamine users who reported sustained cessation for at least one month but got relapse and receiving inpatient treatment at Thanyarak Institute was collected retrospectively by using three questionnaires, namely; 1) General Background Questionnaire; 2) Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) Thai version; and 3) Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - lifetime (MINI-lifetime) Thai version. Demographics, family/social variables, diagnosis, and treatments were analyzed for association with methamphetamine relapse severity by using Chi-Squares test, Fisher’s Exact Test and logistic regression analysis.

Results : Of 250 individuals, 153 (61.2%) were severely relapse on methamphetamine. Variables associated with severe methamphetamine-relapse from Chi- Squares test were marital status, religions, persons who spent most of the time with, level of relationship with father, reporting family and/or psychological problems before admission, manic episode, antisocial personality disorder, alcohol, marijuana, and other substance dependence, mode of current admission, and methods used for the last successful remission (i.e., inpatient treatment) (p < 0.05). When analyzed by logistic regression analysis, being widow/divorced/separated or never married, voluntarily receiving current methamphetamine-use treatment, and having history of other substance dependence were associated with severe methamphetamine relapse.

Conclusion : Most of the methamphetamine subjects in this study had severe relapse. Risk factors for severity relapse were family factor (i.e., non-coupled marital status) and other substance dependence which might reflect the severity of current substance dependence problems. Individuals receiving current treatment voluntarily were more severely using methamphetamine than those being forced legally to get treatment.