Impact of Personality Profile and Stressful Life Events on Relapse in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder: A Prospective Study (Code-T0027)

Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by cravings, compulsive drinking, and tolerance, often leading to significant disruptions in work, school, and home life. In India, alcohol consumption increased from 5.4 billion liters in 2016 to 6.6 billion liters by 2020. A key challenge in the recovery process is relapse, with 72 to 95% of individuals with AUD relapsing within three months (McLellan et al., 2000). Relapse is defined as the resumption of alcohol intake after a prolonged period of abstinence within three months. This process is influenced by a combination of individual, family, social, and treatment-related factors. Allport defined personality as “the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychosocial systems that determine his unique adjustment to his environment.” Personality traits significantly impact adherence to psychosocial interventions, coping skills, attitudes toward recovery, and self-perception of one’s ability to manage stress. Stress, the body’s reaction to changes in circumstances, is a major factor in both alcohol use and relapse. The idea that stressful life events can lead susceptible individuals to relapse into alcohol use has intuitive appeal. Chronic and threatening life stressors, such as occupational, social, and legal challenges, are considered significant contributors to relapse risk (Rajita Sinha, 2007).

Aims and Objective

Aim:

To assess the impact of personality profile and stressful life events on alcohol relapse in patients with alcohol use disorder at a tertiary care center.

Objectives:

• To determine the prevalence of relapse among patients with alcohol use disorder at a tertiary care center.
• To assess the association between personality profile and relapse in patients with alcohol use disorder at a tertiary care center.
• To assess the association between stressful life events and relapse in patients with alcohol use disorder at a tertiary care center.
• To evaluate the severity of alcohol use disorder in patients who relapse at a tertiary care center.

Methods: This prospective observational study will be conducted across three intervals (0, 3 months, and 7 months) among individuals with alcohol use disorder who attend either the outpatient (OP) or inpatient (IP) Psychiatry Department at a tertiary care center.

Results: The study found a high prevalence of relapse among patients with alcohol use disorder. A statistically significant association was observed between relapse and both personality profiles and stressful life events. However, no significant correlation was found between relapse and sociodemographic variables.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that relapse is common in patients with alcohol use disorder, with personality traits and stressful life events playing a significant role. The results highlight the importance of considering these factors in the treatment of AUD. Tailoring interventions to address personality characteristics and stressors could improve treatment outcomes and reduce relapse rates.

Keywords: Alcohol Use Disorders, Relapse, Personality Profile, Stressful Life Events