The Effectiveness of Group Psychotherapy based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) on the Degree of Craving and Difficulty in Emotional Self-regulation of Methamphetamine Users

Introduction: In the process of the treatment and returning of addiction, positive and negative emotional states, as well as temptation belong to the most important risk factor for returning. The aim of this study was to determine Effectiveness of Group psychotherapy based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) on the degree of craving and difficulty in Emotional Self-regulation of Methamphetamine users.
Method: The present study was a Quasi-experimental research and was conducted through the pre-test, post-test design with control group. The statistical population of the study consisted of all Stimulant Methamphetamine Abusers referring to rehabilitation center under the supervision of the Welfare organization in Nourabad from the winter of 1392 to the spring of 1393. The research sample included 30 Methamphetamine Abusers referring to rehabilitation centers that were selected through available sampling. Based on their tendency to participation in the study, structural diagnostic interview and inclusion criteria, 30 participation were selected and were assigned to the experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group received 12 sessions of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. All participants completed the voluntary Craving scale and Gratz Difficulties in emotion regulation Questionnaire as the pre-test, post-test and the follow up stage after a 2 months interval. Data was analyzed through ANOVA with repeated measures.
Results: The results of ANOVA with repeated measure showed that the degree of craving and difficulty declined in the Emotional Self-regulation of the experimental group. The visual inspection of effectiveness charts and size effects, too, indicated a significant and considerable decrease in the degree of craving scores in the post-test of the experimental group participants. These results were maintained in the follow-up stage.
Conclusion: Training in the Group Dialectical Behavior Therapy Strategies through reducing the maladaptive Strategies and increasing the adaptive Cognitive–Emotional Regulation Strategies can pave the way for improvement and relapse prevention of Methamphetamine Abusers.