Abstract
Objective: Describe the intrapersonal and interpersonal causes of relapses of drug addicts. Methods: This is a study by integrative review by searching in the databases: PubMed, Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) and Cochrane Libary. The descriptors: “drugs” OR “substance” OR “abuse drugs” OR “addiction” AND “relapse”. Applied thematic content analysis, identified through full reading, predominant themes among the objectives, method, approach or technique studied and the synthesis of results. Results: 17 articles from 2003 to 2019 were included. Samples from 12 to 608 individuals with analysis of group and focal interviews, semi-structured, phenomenological questionnaires and self-report. Studies have shown how polydrugs predict increased relapse; methamphetamine withdrawal plus inattention; the relationship between the time of substance abuse and the highest chance of relapse; how criminal drug addicts are treated; how dreams generate sensations of relevant interpretation; and emotional and physical support as protective factors. Final Considerations: The influence of the environment for relapse is concluded, where the physical, psychological, emotional, social and professional orders are decisive for recovery.