Determinants of Relapse in Addiction Clients Soon After Rehabilitation: A Case Study of Selected Rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi

Abstract

From 2019, there has been a significant increase in relapse rates in Kenya, with an increase in substance abuse and recovering addicts relapsing soon after rehabilitation. Despite the establishment of rehabilitation centers, relapse rates continue to rise. The study investigated the determinants of relapse in addiction clients soon after rehabilitation in selected rehabilitation centres in Nairobi. The specific objectives were: to examine the effect of aftercare activities on relapse, to establish the effect of financial stability on relapse, to determine the effect of external support systems on relapse and to ascertain the relationship between peer influence on relapse in selected rehabilitation centres in Nairobi. The study used Cognitive Behavioural Theory and Strategic Family Therapy Theory. The study was conducted at Joseph Kangethe, Mustakim main rehabilitation, Ahadi, and Pearl rehabilitation centers in Nairobi with the pilot being conducted at Mustakim day rehabilitation centre 3^rd street, near Mathare Valley. The study employed descriptive research design and census sampling technique with a target population comprised 200 clients and 10 staff from the Rehabilitation Centres. The study employed a questionnaire to collect quantitative data and an interview guide that collected qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive such as mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics such as correlation and regression analysis with qualitative analysis analysed thematically with findings presented in narration format. The results showed a 99% relapse rate among the respondents, with aftercare activities, financial stability, external support systems, and peer influence significantly influencing relapse in addiction clients soon after rehabilitation. The analysis shows majority of respondents 99(52.1%) agreed bad company led respondents to use substances while 101 respondents (53.2%) agreed their families support helped them control their drug urges. The study recommends inclusion of structured aftercare programs including follow up for financial literacy classes, supportive home environments, and community outreach with a peer drive approach against stigma. Future research should include mandatory follow-up visits by rehabilitation centers up to 6 weeks after reintegration, investigation into policies on coping mechanisms structure in rehabilitation centers, and examining the impact of external support groups on minimizing relapse among re-integrated addicts.