Influence of Social Anxiety on Relapse Among Men in Addiction Treatment Centres in Kiambu County, Kenya: Addressing a High-Risk Population

Social anxiety is increasingly recognized as a major factor contributing to relapse among individuals undergoing addiction treatment. This study investigated the relationship between social anxiety and relapse among men in addiction treatment centres in Kiambu County, Kenya. It focused on how fear of social interaction, fear of negative evaluation, physical symptoms of anxiety, and safety behaviours influence recovery outcomes. The research was guided by Cognitive Behavioral Theory and the Self-Medication Theory of Addiction. A convergent mixed methods design was employed, drawing on data from 174 male patients and 19 addiction treatment professionals. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires with Likert-scale items, while qualitative insights were obtained from semi-structured interviews with counsellors. Descriptive and thematic analyses were used to interpret the findings. Results showed that many patients reported experiencing social anxiety symptoms that undermined their participation in therapy and increased their vulnerability to relapse. Avoidance behaviours and fear of judgment emerged as particularly strong barriers to treatment engagement, while counsellors confirmed that such behaviours were common among relapsing patients. The findings highlight the need for rehabilitation centres to integrate structured anxiety assessments and tailored interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and exposure-based group activities, into treatment programs. Addressing social anxiety in this way may enhance patient engagement, lower relapse risks, and improve long-term recovery outcomes.