An Integrative Review on Risk and Relapse Factors for Narcotics Addiction: Based on an Ecological Model

Background: The study aim was to explore and integrate the experiences of individuals with substance addiction in South Korea using a ecological model to identify risk factors and relapse triggers across multiple dimensions.Methods: This integrative review was conducted using Whittemore and Knafl’s five-step integrative review method. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using five Korean electronic databases from June 13 to July 25, 2023. Keywords included “narcotic,” “drug,” “addict,” and “recovery.”Results: A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk and relapse factors in narcotics addiction were categorized into intrapersonal (emotional, cognitive, behavioral, physical, physiological), interpersonal (family, relationships, occupation), community (social, structural), and public policy (legal, institutional) aspects. These factors interacted to form a complex structure that heightened addiction risk and overlapped as both risk and relapse factors.Conclusions: Narcotics addiction remains a serious public health issue that is exacerbated by various intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and public policy-related factors. The study findings underscore the multifaceted nature of addiction and relapse and provide a broad perspective on the complexities of prevention and recovery strategies.