The relationship between income generation, increasing substance dependence and the risk of relapse: a cross-sectional study of drug treatment facilities

Objective: This study explores the relationship between income generation, increasing substance dependence, and the risk of relapse among drug treatment inpatients after their primary drug treatment in the Philippines. Methods: We collected 632 patients' data using a survey questionnaire at five drug treatment facilities - two each in Metro Manila (Luzon), Cebu and Iloilo (Visayas), and Davao City (Mindanao) - representing the Philippines' three principal geographical regions, from July to September 2019. Results: Participants who reported substance dependence were distributed as follows: 20 (42.55%) high nicotine dependent users, 49 (41.88%) alcohol users, 51 (39.53%) methamphetamine users, and 35 (52.24%) cannabis or marijuana users. All were found among poor- to low-income earners. The adjusted odds ratios for the past-30-day substance use were calculated from occupations (formal, informal) of men and women using multiple logistic regression, and the results were: AOR = 7.96, 95% CI = 4.61-13.73 and AOR = 3.96, 95% CI = 1.69-9.24, respectively, with p Conclusions: Policymakers should facilitate economic interventions (livelihood/training skills) and prevention programs to address drug relapse among low- to poor-income earners admitted to rehabilitation centers for primary drug treatment (six months).