Risk factors for relapse in drug-dependent patients after hospital detoxification

This work describes the profile of patients with relapse after hospital detoxification at six months of outpatient follow-up. An observational and prospective study was carried out in patients with substance-dependence disorder who were in the Detoxification Unit of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona) between June 2009 and October 2010. Demographic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic variables were assessed. The criterion for relapse was a return to use of the substance that had led to hospitalization, and relapse was assessed by means of anamnesis, breathalyzer and/or urine analysis. Study variables were compared between patients who relapsed and those who did not. Of the 165 patients included, 108 patients finished the study (75% males, age 37.7 +/- 9.5 years). A total of 72.2% had relapsed at the 6-month follow-up. Profile of patients who relapsed was: hospitalized for heroin detoxification (91.7% vs 8.3%, p = .038), polyconsumers (71.4% vs 32%, p = .05), high substance use in the hours prior to admission as a "farewell" (61.5% vs 39.5%, p = .04), patients with comorbidity (44.9% vs 23.3%, p = .04) and patients with affective disorders (19.5% vs 3.2%, p = .005). Detoxification from opiates and use in the hours prior to admission were associated independently with relapse at 6 months. There is a high percentage of relapses after hospital detoxification. Patients most likely to relapse are those dependent on opiates and those with compulsive use immediately prior to hospitalization.