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Abstract Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) present a significant challenge to global public health, with prolonged drug use not only impairing individual health but also hindering social development. Despite various interventions aimed at addressing drug abuse and dependence, a high relapse rate remains a prominent issue. In light of this, this study aims to explore the impact of perceived stress on the relapse of individuals with SUDs, as well as the mediating role of self-control and the moderating role of social support, in hopes of providing new perspectives for interventions to reduce the risk of relapse among individuals with SUDs. By utilizing a convenience sampling method, 420 male individuals with SUDs were recruited from detoxification centers in Guangxi, China. They completed questionnaires on perceived stress, self-control, social support, and tendencies towards relapse. A total of 401 valid datasets were obtained and analyzed using the SPSS Process plugin to conduct a moderated mediation model analysis. Results: (1) Perceived stress had a positive impact on the relapse of individuals with SUDs, (2) Self-control played a partial mediating role between perceived stress and the relapse, (3) The direct effect of perceived stress on the relapse and its first half of the indirect effect were moderated by social support. The research emphasize the critical importance of learning stress management strategies, enhancing self-control, and receiving comprehensive social support in the prevention and treatment of substance dependence. By strengthening self-control and social support as both internal and external resources, the likelihood of relapse among individuals with SUDs can be reduced, contributing to more effective and comprehensive drug rehabilitation strategies.

ObjectiveSubstance use disorders (SUDs) pose a significant challenge to public health systems worldwide, with persistent high relapse rates underscoring the urgency for innovative intervention strategies. This study embarked on a systematic exploration of the factors influencing relapse among individuals with SUDs, alongside the implementation of targeted Health Qigong intervention to mitigate these effects based on the embodied cognition.MethodsIn the cross-sectional survey, a total of 398 male substance users were recruited to complete the questionnaires assessing depression, self-esteem, resilience, and relapse inclination. Subsequently, 60 participants diagnosed with depression were selected for a Pilot RCT, randomly divided into an intervention group, which underwent a 12-week Health Qigong program designed to combat depression through embodied cognition principles, and a control group, which maintained their daily routines.ResultsStructural equation modeling demonstrated that depression not only had a direct effect on substance users’ relapse, but also exerted an indirect effect through three paths: firstly, via the mediating role of self-esteem; secondly, via the mediating role of resilience; and thirdly, via the chain-mediated role of self-esteem and resilience. Two-factor mixed-design ANOVA showed that the 12-week targeted Health Qigong training not only mitigated depression in individuals with SUDs, but also enhanced self-esteem and mental resilience, and reducing the propensity for relapse.ConclusionThis research identifies critical factors influencing relapse in individuals with SUDs and introduces a novel, non-pharmacological intervention that significantly diminishes relapse rates and enhances recovery outcomes. It highlights the importance of physical activity in promoting mental health improvement and integrates traditional Chinese exercises with contemporary psychological insights, offering a comprehensive approach to drug rehabilitation and the integration of cultural practices in holistic health interventions.