A Study on the Factors that Cause Addiction Relapse among Probationers Convicted of Violating the Philippines’ Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

When Parole and Probation Administration started receiving Probationers convicted of violating the Philippines’ Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165) way back in 2018, the biggest challenge was the sudden increase of investigation caseload brought about by offenders who availed of plea-bargaining. The rehabilitation of Probationers who are recovering drug dependents brought with it the concept of “relapse” when former substance-abusers “stops maintaining their goal of reducing or avoiding use of alcohol or other drugs and returns to their previous levels of use.” In the context of Probation however, relapse of active probationers undergoing a reformation program under the supervision of a PPO can also be manifested not only when the probationer tested positive in a random drug testing conducted by the PPO for monitoring, but also when probationers violate any of the conditions of his/her probation, suggestive of a potential relapse. In recent years however, it has been observed that non-compliance to the probation conditions, particularly the use of illegal drugs, is higher in probationers convicted of violating RA 9165. This is where the gap lies. This study thus aims to investigate the underlying factors contributing to this alarming phenomenon which hinders successful reintegration and poses a significant threat to public safety and community well-being. This study endeavors to understand what are the factors or causes why probationers relapse, despite the interventions and efforts the government has invested on their reformation. For a government agency always deficient in financial resources, every type of government resource utilized for a probationer’s rehabilitation must guarantee a successful termination and eventual reintegration to society, otherwise it will just be wasted time and government resources. Essentially, determining the factors associated with addiction relapse among the study participants could help management in crafting recommendations to prevent similar incidents, avert potential reoffending, as well as formulate policies intended to improve rehabilitation interventions and supervision strategies, especially in drugs-related cases.