Help rebuild lives beyond addiction to prevent relapse

Ground Report

A study conducted at the Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research has revealed that nearly four out of every 10 heroin-dependent patients relapse within a year of treatment, underscoring the deep psycho-social and behavioural challenges associated with the problem of drug addiction in Punjab.

The year-long prospective study, published in the Telangana Journal of Psychiatry (June 2025), followed 200 heroin-dependent patients admitted to the institute's de-addiction centre. Researchers found that 39 per cent of the patients relapsed, despite undergoing detoxification and follow-up care. The study, led by Dr Piyush Mahajan and Dr Malvika Dahuja and their team, aimed to identify the social and psychological factors influencing relapse.

According to the findings, the most significant factors contributing to relapse included association with drug-using peer groups (61.5%), high income levels (62.8%), and a preference for risk-taking behaviour (50%). Many patients also reported intense craving (42.3%), anger outbursts (38.5%), and stressful life events (30.8%), that led them back to the use of heroin.

Interestingly, the study noted that all participants were male, and the pattern of relapse peaked at the third follow-up visit, about three months after discharge, before gradually declining. Over the course of one year, the number of patients maintaining abstinence increased steadily, reaching 44 per cent by the final follow-up.

Dr Mahajan explained that relapse among heroin users is not just a medical issue but also a complex psycho-social phenomenon, deeply influenced by emotional instability, family conflicts and social environment. "High income and peer indulgence emerged as surprising predictors of relapse," he said, adding that a supportive social network and continuous counselling are critical for long-term recovery.

The authors emphasised the need for individualised, holistic treatment plans that address emotional regulation, family counselling and peer influence. They also called for region-specific research to understand local addiction dynamics and improve rehabilitation outcomes.

With Punjab continuing to struggle with opioid dependence, the study highlights that effective relapse prevention requires more than detoxification. It demands consistent psychological and social support to help patients rebuild their lives beyond addiction.

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