Aim: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has a high relapse rate post treatment with first 3 months being the most vulnerable. This study estimated the proportion of abstinent subjects 3 months after treatment and predicted the abstinence status based on clinical and sociodemographic variables. Subjects and Methods: All patients with AUD who attended the deaddiction clinic during the study period and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited into the study and followed up for 3 months after detoxification. Severity of substance use was assessed by ASSIST. Craving was assessed by Penn Alcohol Craving Scale and self-efficacy by General Self Efficacy Scale. Both parametric and non-parametric analysis were undertaken to address the research questions. Results: Out of 102 subjects, 54.9 % were abstinent for 3 months. 29.4 % relapsed, 7.85 % had a lapse and 7.85 % dropped out from the study. Abstinence status could be predicted by lower baseline craving scores, absence of comorbid psychiatric disorder and other substance use. Significant reduction in craving scores were seen in abstinent subjects at 3 months. Difference in alcohol use severity and craving scores were significant between two groups at baseline. Conclusion: Relapse should be expected in treatment for AUD with multiple factors contributing. This study findings shows the role of craving, comorbidities of psychiatric disorders and other substance use in relapse. A routine screening for comorbid psychiatry diagnosis and addressing comorbid substance use is warranted.
Das et al. (Thu,) studied this question.