The Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies Training on Reducing of Sensation Seeking in Drug-Dependent Persons

Introduction:Sensation seeking has been defined as needs with neurological and biological origin, variety of new, complex and dangerous feelings and experiences. In this regard recent researches also suggest that a high level of sensation seeking is one of the most important factors in vulnerability to substance abuse and alcohol abuse and dependence. Therefore, this study aimedto investigate The Effectiveness of emotion regulation strategies training on reducing of sensation seeking in drug-dependent persons.

Method: The study was quasi-experimental research with the pretest - posttest design and control group. The population consists all of drug-dependent persons who referred to addiction treatment clinics in Marivan city.Sampling was done in two steps; convenience sampling was used in the first step and then randomized assignment was used in the second step. Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale was used to collect data. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze data.

Results: The results showed that emotion regulation strategies training except the thrill and adventure seeking reduce components of prevent deforestation, sensitivity to uniform and total sensation seeking.

Conclusion: Because the sensation seeking trait is one of risk factors for recurrence tendency toward substance abuse, therefore, it's suggested based on research's findings that emotion regulation strategies can be used for controlling this trait is substance abusers.