How Does Relapse Play Into Opioid Dependence Treatment?
Opioid dependence is a chronic, relapsing brain disease.1 As with other chronic medical conditions, patients may relapse and become nonadherent to treatment for a period of time. Relapse should not be considered a treatment failure and does not necessarily mean that a patient has abandoned a commitment to change. Open communication is crucial; and, if a patient discloses that he/she has relapsed, it may actually reflect a renewed commitment to his/her treatment plan. Longer-term maintenance treatment has been associated with lower relapse rates.
