The relationship between family support factors and substance abuse relapse: an updated literature review

Current global data indicate that 296 million individuals engage in drug abuse, representing an increase of 12 million compared to previous figures. In Indonesia, the prevalence was 1.73%, with 173 individuals having used drugs in the past year. This study aimed to examine the supportive factors and challenges faced by substance abusers in overcoming dependence, achieving abstinence, and preventing relapse, focusing on resilience, self-esteem, and family functioning. This study employed a literature review methodology. Literature sources were identified using search engines through electronic media, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, covering publications from 2014 to 2024. The selected articles were assessed and evaluated based on predefined inclusion criteria, resulting in a final selection of 20 articles relevant to the topic. The findings indicate that the risk of relapse can be minimized with strong social support, especially from family members, which increases self-efficacy and resilience, thereby strengthening commitment to treatment. Therefore, intervention strategies that focus on improving family dynamics, strengthening self-esteem, and enhancing resilience are essential to facilitate sustainable recovery for individuals with substance use disorders. Family support has a positive impact on reducing the likelihood of relapsing in substance abusers. This article also compared similar findings from previous studies and presented the latest expert opinions supporting the importance of family communication in drug prevention. Adequate family support, in the form of communication and emotional support, can increase the resilience of substance users, thereby minimizing the risk of relapse in substance abuse.