A Study of Psycho-Social Factors Associated With Alcohol Relapse in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Rajasthan

Introduction: Alcohol consumption is third largest risk factor for disease and disability in developing countries. Relapse in alcohol dependence is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by an interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. To find the extent of association of various psycho-social factors with relapse in alcohol Aim: dependence. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 patients of alcohol dependence syndrome attended OPD of Psychiatry department of tertiary care hospital after obtaining informed consent and ethical committee approval. patients were interviewed using semi-structured socio-demographic and clinical proforma, Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ), Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), Self-efficacy scale, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12 (IPSEL-12) and Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale (PSLES). Statistical analysis was conducted to find extent of association between various factors and relapse. Among the 60 patients, 38 individu Results: als (63.3%) were categorized in the relapse group, while 22 individuals (36.7%) were placed in the abstinence group. Factors significantly linked to relapse included history of more relapses (P=0.0001), younger age at the onset of drinking (P=0.009), and a longer duration of alcohol use (P=0.002), severity of alcohol dependence (P=0.001), heightened craving (P=0.0001), low self-efficacy (P=0.002), poor social support (P=0.002), and adverse life events (P=0.0001). This study found younger age at the onset of alcohol use, poor self-efficacy, inadequate c Conclusion: oping with stressful life events, and lack of social support associated with relapse. Preventing early alcohol use, enhancing coping strategies, and raising awareness through campaigns may aid relapse management.