Recaída en el consumo de alcohol: análisis de factores de riesgo para potenciar la prevención y el tratamiento.

Abstract

Introduction. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a global public health problem that affects millions of people. Despite the availability of treatments, relapse is a multifactorial phenomenon and a frequent challenge in the recovery process, highlighting the need for comprehensive intervention approaches aligned with new changes in society. Objective. To analyze the scientific literature on risk factors associated with relapse in alcohol consumption, in order to identify essential elements that strengthen prevention and treatment strategies. Methodology. A qualitative and descriptive literature review was conducted. The search was conducted across databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, selecting articles published between 2015 and 2025 that analyzed risk factors among adults diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder. Results. Relapse is associated with a complex combination of risk factors. From an individual perspective, neurobiological alterations in reward circuits, deficits in executive functions, and persistent emotional vulnerabilities were identified. At the interpersonal and contextual levels, family dysfunction and social stigma were recognized as factors that hinder recovery processes. Conclusion. Relapse is a multifactorial process that requires moving beyond a reductionist view centered on “lack of willpower,” calling for comprehensive interventions that address both individual psychological factors and the individual's social context.