Relationship Between Coping Strategy and the High-Risk Relapse Situation Among Drug Offenders

Coping strategy is an important aspect that needs to be studied and predict the long-term recovery success process among individuals involved with drugs. Effective coping strategies help prevent individuals from repeating drug addiction behaviours. Therefore, this research was conducted to (1) identify the coping strategies used by drug offenders and (2) analyse the relationship between coping strategies and high-risk relapse situations among drug offenders. The research was conducted in a cross-sectional survey using quantitative methods. A total of 301 prisoners involved in drug cases and currently undergoing detention and rehabilitation at Malaysian Prisons Department were selected as respondents. The data collected were analysed using descriptive tests and Pearson correlation. The research results attained that majority of prisoners who are undergoing rehabilitation and detention in Malaysian Prisons use problem-focused coping strategies to free themselves from drugs. In addition, Pearson correlation analysis indicated that coping strategies had a significant relationship with high-risk relapse situations among prisoners. The results have implications for the stakeholders in the provision of effective educational programs, drug rehabilitation and skills training to prisoners.