Clinical Psychology: Research and Practice Innovations

Clinical Psychology: Research and Practice Innovations"

Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Reducing Relapse Among Individuals with Opioid Dependence

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Saeed Imani
Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22075/jcp.2025.35881.3045
Abstract
Background: Opioid relapse remains one of the major challenges in the treatment of addiction. Effective therapeutic methods can play a significant role in reducing relapse rates. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in reducing relapse rates among individuals with opioid dependence.
Method: A quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and control groups was employed. The statistical population included individuals with opioid dependence who attended an addiction treatment center in Sarpol-e Zahab during the first half of 2017. Among eligible volunteers, 36 participants diagnosed with opioid dependence were randomly assigned to three groups of 12 (CBT, MBCT, and control). Data were collected using the Relapse Prediction Scale. The MBCT intervention consisted of eight 2-hour sessions, while CBT was delivered in twelve 90-minute sessions.
Results: Analysis revealed significant differences between the three groups in terms of their effects on craving intensity (η²= 0.36, p< 0.001), likelihood of substance use (η²= 0.41, p< 0.001), and the linear combination of craving intensity and likelihood of use (η²= 0.77, p< 0.001). The MBCT group showed significantly lower scores in craving intensity and likelihood of substance use compared to the CBT and control groups.
Conclusion: Both CBT and MBCT are effective in reducing relapse among individuals with opioid dependence. However, MBCT demonstrated superior effectiveness, highlighting the importance of incorporating mindfulness-based interventions in addiction treatment programs.
Keywords
Cognitive-behavioral group therapy
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
relapse
opioid dependence
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 11 November 2024
  • Revise Date 15 January 2025
  • Accept Date 05 February 2025
  • First Publish Date 05 February 2025
  • Publish Date 22 September 2024