Modeling Body–Mind–Spirit Well-Being and the Possibility of Relapse Intention in Adults Who Have a History of Substance Use in Taiwan

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Substance use is a global mental health issue. There has been limited research exploring the relationships among body, mind, and spirit well-being and the possibility of relapse across different categories of substance users. AIMS: The purpose of the current path analysis was to examine the relationship between body–mind–spirit well-being and the possibility of relapse intention as well as other relevant predictors in people who had a history of substance use. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was used. Participants were recruited in Southern Taiwan between December 2015 and June 2016. Data were collected from 467 participants who had a history of using controlled substances. RESULTS: Path analysis results revealed that body–mind–spirit well-being was negatively predictive of the possibility of relapse intention. Out of several predictors, stress influence and duration of substance use had direct effects on body–mind–spirit well-being and the possibility of relapse intention, respectively. Stress influence and duration of substance use were associated with decreased body–mind–spirit well-being and increased relapse intention scores. In addition, no history of health problems and male gender were associated with increased body–mind–spirit well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Stress management and the duration of substance use play an important role in body–mind–spirit well-being and relapse intention in people with a history of substance use. Health care professionals could teach substance users coping strategies to address their stress and problems, which may improve their health and reduce the possibility of relapse intention.