Antecedents of high-risk situations for relapse in women with opioid use disorder: A qualitative study

Background: The dramatic increase in substance use among women and the low rate of therapeutic success highlight the need for studying relapse-induced factors. This study aimed to investigate the lapse-induced factors in women with opioid use disorder with an emphasis on the antecedents of high-risk situations for relapse. Methodology: This was a qualitative study with a thematic analysis design. The semi-structured interviews and focus groups were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using the Stirling method. The Holsti's method was employed for reliability measurement. The validity of coding frame were assessed using the member checking procedure. The content validity ratio (CVR) formula was used to examine the results of thematic analysis and validity was confirmed. Results: Findings revealed five organizing themes in global theme of the antecedents of high-risk situations for relapse, namely desire or craving for use, physical problems, mental problems, family factors, and factors affecting the treatment process. Conclusion: The antecedents for lapse and relapse in women with opioid use disorder can decrease the risk of lapse and relapse. Therefore, they should be included in therapeutic programs and protocols.