Mental health nurses: Relapse of mental health care users post rehabilitation

Background: Mental health care users (MHCUs) are usually admitted to mental health care facilities when they relapse. MHCUs who abuse illicit substances get admitted to a special ward in the hospital specifically for drug detoxification for six weeks. Despite thorough recovery programs, there is still rapid post-discharge relapse among MHCUs with high accessibility to substances. The study was conducted at a psychiatric hospital, in South Africa. It is suggested that MHCUs relapse due to the easy availability of substances and association with negative friends. Two themes emerged: MHCU related challenges and MHCU support system challenges. It is evident that MHCUs frequently relapse in the absence of support. Community Psychiatric nurses are to oversee, assist and follow up with MHCUs after rehabilitation. Further studies are needed to strengthen interprofessional community programs for aftercare treatment to monitor recovering MHCUs.The results demonstrate the influence of unfavourable social networks and substance accessibility affecting the therapy.