Substitute Behaviors following Residential Substance Use Treatment in the Western Cape, South Africa

Deborah Louise Sinclair, Steve Sussman, Maarten De Schryver, Cedric Samyn, Sabirah Adams, Maria Florence, Shazly Savahl and Wouter Vanderplasschen
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Deborah Louise Sinclair: Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
Steve Sussman: Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
Maarten De Schryver: Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Faculty Research Support Office, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Cedric Samyn: Department of Special Needs Education, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Sabirah Adams: Centre for Higher Education Development, Language Development Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
Maria Florence: Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
Shazly Savahl: Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
Wouter Vanderplasschen: Department of Special Needs Education, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 23, 1-16

Abstract: The dynamics of substitute behaviors and associated factors remain poorly understood globally, and particularly in low- and middle-income contexts. This prospective study describes the prevalence and types of substitute behaviors as well as predictors, correlates, and motivations associated with substitution in persons (n = 137) admitted to residential substance use treatment in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The brief assessment of recovery capital, overall life satisfaction scale, and an adapted version of the addiction matrix self-report measure were completed during and post-treatment. Results indicate that substitutes were employed consciously for anticipated appetitive effects, for time-spending, (re)connecting with others, and enjoyment. At follow-up, 36% of service users had substituted their primary substance(s) with another substance or behavior; 23% had relapsed and 40% had maintained abstinence. While some service users may be especially vulnerable to developing substitute behaviors, targeted prevention and intervention efforts can reduce this risk.

Keywords: substitute behaviors; recovery; substance use; behavioral addictions; substance use treatment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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