Self-control as mediator and social support as moderator in stress-relapse dynamics of substance dependency.

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) present a significant challenge to global public health, with prolonged drug use not only impairing individual health but also hindering social development. Despite various interventions aimed at addressing drug abuse and dependence, a high relapse rate remains a prominent issue. In light of this, this study aims to explore the impact of perceived stress on the relapse of individuals with SUDs, as well as the mediating role of self-control and the moderating role of social support, in hopes of providing new perspectives for interventions to reduce the risk of relapse among individuals with SUDs. By utilizing a convenience sampling method, 420 male individuals with SUDs were recruited from detoxification centers in Guangxi, China. They completed questionnaires on perceived stress, self-control, social support, and tendencies towards relapse. A total of 401 valid datasets were obtained and analyzed using the SPSS Process plugin to conduct a moderated mediation model analysis. Results: (1) Perceived stress had a positive impact on the relapse of individuals with SUDs, (2) Self-control played a partial mediating role between perceived stress and the relapse, (3) The direct effect of perceived stress on the relapse and its first half of the indirect effect were moderated by social support. The research emphasize the critical importance of learning stress management strategies, enhancing self-control, and receiving comprehensive social support in the prevention and treatment of substance dependence. By strengthening self-control and social support as both internal and external resources, the likelihood of relapse among individuals with SUDs can be reduced, contributing to more effective and comprehensive drug rehabilitation strategies.

Effects of health qigong exercise on sleep and life quality in patients with drug abuse.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Health Qigong (HQ) exercise on the subjective and objective sleep quality and the quality of life in male patients with drug abuse who received treatment at a mandatory drug rehabilitation residential institution. Methods: Ninety male patients (mean age, 36.85 ± 8.72 y) were included and randomly divided into the Health Qigong (HQ) group, aerobic exercise (AE) group, or control group. The participants in the HQ and AE groups exercised four times a week for 1 hour per session for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained their original lifestyle. The following parameters were recorded before and after exercise: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); SF-36; and total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep latency, deep sleep time, deep sleep rate, light sleep time, and light sleep rate using actigraphy. Results: Health Qigong improved the subjective sleep quality, objective sleep quality, and quality of life after a 12-week intervention. Considering the subjective sleep quality, Health Qigong helped improve several aspects of the PSQI, including the overall sleep quality (p < 0.01), sleep latency (p < 0.01), sleep duration (p < 0.01), sleep latency (p < 0.01), sleep disturbance (p < 0.01), and day dysfunction (p < 0.01). In relation to the objective sleep quality, Health Qigong improved the total sleep time (p < 0.01), sleep efficiency (p < 0.01), sleep latency (p < 0.01), deep and light sleep rate (p < 0.01). Considering the quality of life, Health Qigong helped improve the role-physical (p < 0.01), general health (p < 0.01), bodily pain (p < 0.01), and mental health (p < 0.01) aspects of SF-36. Conclusion: Health Qigong may be an effective approach to improve the subjective and objective quality of sleep and life quality of patients with drug abuse.

Sleep disorders as a prospective intervention target to prevent drug relapse.

Objective: The high rate of relapse has become the primary obstacle of drug rehabilitation. In this study, we explored the relationship between sleep disorders and relapse inclination in substance users, as well as the potential mediating mechanisms and corresponding interventions. Methods: A total of 392 male substance users were recruited to complete the questionnaires on sleep disorders, quality of life and relapse inclination. On account of this, 60 participants with sleep disorders were randomly screened and allocated to the intervention and control groups. The former received 12 weeks of Health Qigong aimed at treating sleep disorders, whereas the latter performed their regular production work. Results: Sleep disorders had a positive effect on relapse inclination, quality of life was a potential mediator of this relationship, and 12-week Health Qigong designed to treat sleep disorders improved not only their sleep quality but also their overall quality of life, which in turn reduce the tendency to relapse. Conclusion: Current research not only explores the high-risk factors influencing relapse, but also develops customized intervention strategies, which have theoretical and practical implications for decreasing relapse and increasing abstinence.