From Setback to Comeback: Turning Relapse into Resilience

Relapse is a very complex issue affecting almost 40% to 60% where an individual returns to the old pattern of the substance use after successful completion of the treatment. Relapses are a hallmark and major source of dissatisfaction among families and patients seeking treatment from rehabilitation. The ultimate purpose of treatment is to achieve recovery and sobriety, and it can be achieved by the relapse prevention. The present study aimed to explore the need assessment and get recommendations from professionals serving in the field to curtail the rate of relapse. Seven professionals were selected from different rehabilitations of Islamabad and interview guidelines were used to explore the need assessment and get recommendations for the treatment of substance use disorders. Thematic analysis was carried out using the guidelines of (Braun & Clarke, 2006) in NVivo. Results concluded that there is a need for evidence-based, better and effective models, monitoring, community center, meaningful focus, work on cognition, to create social environment. Recommendations for the treatment highlighted that treatment model should work on relapse prevention, include our culture, add religion, involve family, research based, holistic, work on social support system, involve outdoor activities.