Identifying drug relapse risk factors

rising stress levels, which can make returning to substance abuse more appealing.

Another significant risk factor identified by the report was availability of healthy support. A common trend among the responses was the lack support from family, friends or community, which caused distress and contributed to relapse.

Furthermore, the stigma attached to addiction made it more difficult for the individuals to seek treatment. Because many people perceive addiction to be indicative of weakness of character, admitting that they needed to receive addiction recovery treatment proved difficult.

The report posits that by identifying these common risks for relapse, social workers and others who work closely with those who are struggling with substance use disorders will be better able to identify risks that might affect their recovery. By identifying these problematic areas and guiding their clients accordingly, they can better equip those struggling with addiction to face and overcome substance abuse, and maintain sobriety.