Substitute behaviors following residential substance use treatment in the Western Cape, South Africa
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Date
2021Author
Sinclair, Deborah Louise
Sussman, Steve
De Schryver, Maarten
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Show full item recordAbstract
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.