PREVENTION OF RELAPSE IN ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE SYNDROME

Few studies on relapse preventive strategies on soldiers with alcohol dependence syndromes have been carried out in the armed forces. There have been various factors for causes of relapse even after undergoing detoxification and other therapeutic measures. The use of anticraving medications and psychotherapy has been the common modalities used in the management of people dependent on alcohol. Several causes of relapse have been studied but fewer done on serving soldiers of Indian armed forces. 100 soldiers diagnosed with alcohol dependence syndrome were placed into two separate groups of fifty each. One group was placed on anticraving medication- Tab Acamprosate, and the other group was maintained on psychotherapy sessions. They were followed up at 0, 6 and 12 month period. Scales were used to screen alcohol dependence (ADS, Brief MAST) and a scale specifically designed for the Indian soldier were used to assess stressful life events (AFMC Life Events Scale). Relapse rates were ascertained at the given time of follow up. Analysis revealed that a total of 09 soldiers relapsed in this one year period. The relapse rates were higher in the first six months after therapy than in the later follow up period. 06 cases that relapsed were from psychotherapy group and the remaining 03 cases were from the group receiving anticraving medications. But the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. Various stressful events were highlighted using Marlatt’s taxonomy for causes of relapse. Relapse rate was commoner in the initial months after undergoing detoxification therapy. Anticraving medication was in no way superior to a structured psychotherapy sessions in relapse prevention.