The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on Drug Craving in Heroin Addicts Treated by Methadone Maintenance

Salimi,, S.H; Haghnazari,, A; Ahmadi-Tahour -Soltani,, M; Zohreh-Vand,, M

doi:10.22075/jcp.2017.2233

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on Drug Craving in Heroin Addicts Treated by Methadone Maintenance

Authors

S.H Salimi,

A Haghnazari,

M Ahmadi-Tahour -Soltani,

M Zohreh-Vand,

10.22075/jcp.2017.2233

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of present research was to investigate effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on drug craving in heroin addicts treated by methadone maintenance.

Method: The present study was an experimental clinical trial with pretest, post-tests and follow-up phases. The study population consisted all of heroin addicts who referred to substance abuse treatment center in Arak city. The 36 heroin addicts were selected by convenience sampling method and were assigned into control and experimental groups (experimental group=16 patients and control group=20 patients). The Obsessive Compulsive Drug Use Scale (OCDUS) was used in pretest, post-tests and follow-up. The experimental groups recived 8 sessions of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program between pretest and posttest while control group did not receive any intervention. Data were analized by ANOVA with repeated measure with SPSS 16.

Results: The results of ANOVA with repeated measure showed that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) reduced significantly drug craving scores of experimental group in posttest and

Follow-up (p<0.05).

Conclusion: This study revealed that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program as modern psychotherapy technique is effective method to reduce drug craving. Therefore, this approach is recommended for these patients.

Keywords

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

drug craving

Relapse Prevention