RESEARCH ON ADDICTION
Year:2019 | Volume:12 | Issue:49 (Special Issue 2) |Papers Count:21

Objective: The attractiveness and expansion of the virtual space among strata of society and the functions of this platform in the commission of drug offenses have prompted authorities to take advantage of this context to develop drug prevention programs. Of course, the functions of this space at the present moment are considered among the effective factors in the tendency towards addiction and drug use. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of virtual media (cyberspace) in preventing drug addiction among various strata of society in the form of developing a functional model. Method: The present study employed a descriptive-analytic method where a survey was carried out using a researcher-constructed questionnaire for the purpose of data collection. The statistical population of the study included experts and drug control police officers of Law Enforcement Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iranian Cyber Police, and related organizations. According to Cochran formula, 56 sample units were selected by simple random sampling method. Results: The results indicated that virtual space and responsibility, virtual space and social participation, virtual space and awareness-raising, virtual space and specific productions, and, finally, virtual space and management can respectively play a significant role in the prevention of drug addiction. Conclusion: The findings of this study can be regarded as an important step for explaining cyber squat addiction prevention methods and as a suitable model for designing comprehensive drug addiction prevention programs in cyberspace.

Objectives: Substance abuse, dependence, and addiction are all complicated disorders associated with biological, psychological, social, and spiritual causes. Relapse into substance use is one of the main problems in the treatment of substance abuse. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based relapse prevention interventions in craving, emotion regulation, and aggression among methamphetamine patients in Kashan city. Method: A quasi-experimental research design along with pre-test/post-test and control group was employed for the conduct of this study. The statistical population of this study included male and female methamphetamine users presenting to short-term residence addiction treatment centers and methadone treatment addiction centers in Kashan. Through random sampling, 30 subjects were selected and were assigned to experimental and control groups. Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Craving Beliefs Questionnaire, and Eysenck and Wilson's Aggression Scale were used for data collection in this study. The experimental group was trained in eight sessions of mindfulness-based relapse prevention interventions. After the completion of the training interventions, both groups were re-evaluated in the post-test phase. Results: The results of this study showed that there is a significant difference between the two groups in terms of craving, emotion regulation, and aggression. The Eta coefficients for the variables of craving, emotion regulation, and aggression were obtained equal to 0. 27, 0. 21, and 0. 53, respectively. Conclusion: Mindfulness-based prevention can be used in addiction treatment clinics.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in self-efficacy and resilience among the addicts presenting to addiction treatment camps in Behshahr city. Method According to the purpose and nature of the research, the present study employed a quasi-experimental design (pre-test, post-test with a control group). The statistical population of the present study included all the addicts presenting to addiction treatment camps in Behshahr city in 2017. To this end, 30 participants were selected using the convenience sampling method. The sample units were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group (n = 15). The data gathering tools in this research included Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) (2003) and Sherer General Self-Efficacy Scale (1982). The intervention included nine therapy sessions that were performed by a therapist. Each session lasted 90 minutes on a weekly basis. After the end of the therapy sessions, both groups were evaluated. Results The results of this study showed that there is a significant difference between the two groups in the linear composition of self-efficacy and resiliency scores. ETA squared also showed that 64% of the variance of the dependent variable is accounted for by the grouping variable (experimental and control groups). Conclusion Based on the research findings, cognitive-behavioral therapy has led to an increase in the self-efficacy and resiliency among the addicts presenting to addiction treatment camps in Behshahr city.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of psychodrama therapy in relapse prevention and rumination. Method A semi-experimental research design along with pre-test/post-test and control group was employed for the conduct of this study. All the patients with drug abuse presenting to Tehran addiction treatment clinics constituted the statistical population of this study. The sample group consisted of 40 male patients who were selected from among the clients of addiction treatment clinics via convenience sampling method. The participants were then assigned to the control group and the experimental group (n = 20). Due to the sample loss in the post-test phase, the experimental group consisted of 16 and the control group included 18 participants. Relapse Prediction Scale and Rumination Questionnaire were administered to all the participants. Results Multivariate covariance analysis showed that psychodrama intervention had a significant effect on relapse prevention and rumination. Conclusion According to the research findings, group psychodrama therapy can be effective in relapse prevention and rumination.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of emotion regulation training and coping therapy in mode and attitudes to narcotics among the adolescents at risk of substance abuse. Method: The present study employed a quasi-experimental research design along with two experimental and control groups. The statistical population of this study included all male secondary school students in Kish Island in the academic year of 2017-2018 (577 students). To this end, 45 students were selected in accordance with the entry criteria of the research and were randomly assigned to three groups (emotion regulation training group, coping therapy group, and control group). The research tools in this study consisted of Questionnaire of Risk and Protection Factors of Alcohol Consumption, Smoking, and other Substances; and Positive and Negative Affect Questionnaire. Results: The results showed that emotional regulation training and coping therapy programs had a positive effect on positive affects and attitude toward drug use, and these changes occurred in the follow-up phase. However, these programs did not affect the participants' negative effects. Conclusion: To increase positive affects and to correct attitudes toward substance use in adolescents, emotion regulation and coping therapy programs can be used.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (act) in reducing total, cognitive, motor, and nonplanning impulsiveness among methamphetamine-dependent patients. Method: In the present study, a single-case experimental design of a linear asynchronous baseline was used. Research tools, such as structured clinical interviews, demographic characteristics questionnaire, urine test, Barrett Impulsiveness Scale, and individual protocol of ACT for substance abusers were used for data collection. The obtained results were evaluated using visual imaging, permanent change index (RCI), recovery percentage, meaningful clinical improvement, and operational measurements. Results: The obtained data showed that total impulsiveness and its subscales in patients were statistically, clinically, and operationally significant. Conclusion: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is effective in reducing the total, cognitive, motor, and nonplanning impulsiveness in methamphetamine-dependent patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to provide an effective skills training model abuse prevention of narcotics and stimulants among patients of correctional educational centers. To this end, the influential factors in the skill dimension, including problem-solving, communications, stress management, anger, behavior, and identification of the gap between the status quo and the desired situation have been investigated and it has been attempted to present the executive mechanisms required for implementing an effective training model in prevention of drug abuse and stimulant abuse. Method: This research falls within the category of applied research in terms of purpose and is regarded as a survey descriptive research in terms of data collection where a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) has been used. Twenty-two experts with a history of mentoring and 212 employees at correctional educational centers constituted the research subjects. A semi-structured interview and a researcher-constructed questionnaire were the data collection tools in this research. Expert opinion was employed to determine the content validity of the tools. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the questionnaire was obtained equal to 0. 981. Results: The results of this study showed that the most effective components in the optimal state of the skill level were problem-solving (0. 92), communications (0. 93), stress management (0. 91), and behavior (0. 95). Conclusion: There is a significant difference between the present and the desired situation in the area of problem-solving, communications, stress management, anger, and behavior among clients.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of optimism training on the psychological security of addicted parents' primary school children in Zahedan. Method A quasi-experimental research design along with pre-test/post-test and control group. The statistical population of this study consisted of addicted children aged 7 to 11 years old who had come to addiction centers in Zahedan city. From among them, 30 subjects were selected based on the entry criteria and were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. Maslow's Security-Insecurity Inventory and Life Orientation Test were administered to the subjects. Results The results of this study showed that optimism has been effective in the improvement of mental health in addicted parents' children. Conclusion Therefore, optimism training can lead to psychological security among addicted parents' children.

Objective: Impulsivity is one of the personality risk factors of substance use tendency. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of emotion regulation skills training based on dialectical behavioral therapy in impulsivity among substance abusers. Method: The current research was conducted within the framework of experimental single-subject design. Based on structured diagnostic interviews and entry criteria, four men with substance abuse disorders were randomly selected and were individually trained in 10 sessions of emotion regulation training based on dialectical behavioral therapy. Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (2004) was employed to measure impulsivity. Results: The results of this study showed that the training of emotion regulation training based on dialectical behavior therapy to participants reduced the scores of all four subjects in attention impulsiveness, motor impulsiveness, and nonplanning impulsiveness. In fact, all four participants experienced a significant reduction in this scale during the training sessions. Conclusion: Interventions based on impulsiveness reduction, such as training of emotion regulation strategies can play a central role in the treatment and prevention of drug abuse.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of structural family therapy in therapy motivation and family functioning in families with substance abusers. Method A quasi-experimental research design along with pre-test/post-test and control group was employed for the conduct of this study. The statistical population of this study consisted of all families who presented to addiction treatment centers in Ardabil city in the fall and winter of 2016. For this purpose, 30 families were selected using purposive sampling, and 15 families were placed in the experimental group and 15 ones were assigned to the control group. In terms of therapy motivation and family function, they were evaluated. Then, the experimental group underwent structural therapy for eight 90-minute sessions. The experimental and control groups were evaluated once more in terms of the variables under study. Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale and Family Assessment Device were used for data collection. Results The results of covariance analysis indicated that structural family therapy has been effective in increasing the treatment motivation and improving family function in families with substance abusive members. Conclusion Structural family therapy is an effective method to increase treatment motivation and family functioning.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of process emotion regulation strategies in cognitive emotion regulation strategies and general health problems among adolescent girls with addicted parents. Method: A quasi-experimental research design along with pre-test/post-test and control group was employed for the conduct of this study. The number of 30 female high school students with addicted parents in municipal district three of Karaj was selected via convenience sampling method. These sample units had obtained scores higher than the cut-off one in General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg, & Hillier) and were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 10 training sessions of process emotion regulation strategies. Results: The results of this study showed that the training of process emotion regulation strategies has brought about changes in seven subscales of cognitive emotion regulation strategies (self-blame, acceptance, rumination, positive refocus, planning, observing, and other-blame) and has reduced general health problems (depression, anxiety, physical difficulties, and total health problems) in adolescent girls. Conclusion: Process emotion regulation strategies is one of the effective interventions in cognitive emotion regulation strategies and reduction of health problems.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of group lifestyle training in the reduction of psychological difficulties and increase of hope among the patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy. Method: A semi-experimental research design along with pre-test/post-test and control group was employed for the conduct of this study. The statistical population of this study consisted of all addicted men treated with methadone in drug addiction treatment centers in Kamyaran city in 2016. The number of 30 male patients was selected as the participants through convenience sampling method. Then, they were randomly assigned to two 15-person groups. The experimental group received 10 group sessions of the interventional method of lifestyle change training and the control group did not receive any intervention. In both groups, Psychological Health Scale and Miller Hope Scale were used for data collection. Results: The results of covariance analysis showed that general health components decreased in the experimental group decreased while the means score of hope increased in them. Conclusion: Lifestyle training is effective in the reduction of psychological difficulties and the increase of hope among patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy.

Objective: Individuals with addiction to stimulant drugs have difficulty in proper employment of emotions due to the misconception of their feelings and, thereby, these difficulties in emotion regulation lead to substance use. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of emotion regulation training based on Grass model in the reduction of craving and depression after withdrawal among methamphetamine-dependent individuals. Method: The current study employed a quasi-experimental research design along with pre-test/post-test and control group. The methamphetamine-dependent patients presenting to Omid Pooya addiction treatment clinic in Tehran in 2016 constituted the statistical population of this study. A sample of 30 participants was selected via convenience sampling method and, then, 15 subjects were assigned to the experimental group and 15 subjects were assigned to the control group at random. The experimental group received emotion regulation training based on Grass model, but the control group did not receive any training. The data were collected by means of Instantaneous Craving Questionnaire and Depression Questionnaire (Lovibond, 1995). Results: The results of this study showed that emotion regulation training based on Grass model is effective in decreasing craving and depression after withdrawal among methamphetamine-dependent patients (p <0. 01). Conclusion: According to the research findings, difficulty in emotion regulation is one of the problems of methamphetamine-dependent patients and teaching how to express and manage emotions can help them reduce craving and depression after addiction withdrawal.

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in reducing craving among opiate addicts. Method A quasi-experimental research design along with pre-test/post-test and control group was employed for the conduct of this study. The statistical population of this study included the opiate dependent individuals who had presented to the addiction treatment center affiliated to the Healthcare Network of Sarpol-e Zahab city in the first half of 2017. The number of 36 participants diagnosed with opioid dependence-based on the diagnostic and statistical guidance criteria (the fifth version) was selected via convenience sampling method out of the population volunteered for receiving health care services and qualified with the entry criteria of the study. At random, 12 patients were assigned to the first experimental group, 12 ones were assigned to the second experimental group, and 12 ones were placed in the control group. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Axis I Disorders (SCID-5), Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5(R) Personality Disorders, and Heroin Craving Questionnaire constituted the data collection tools in this study. The experimental groups received eight two-hour sessions of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and twelve 90-minute sessions of group cognitive-behavioral therapy. Results The results of this study showed that there is no significant difference between the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in decreasing craving (except for the component of no control over consumption) in opiate addicts. However, there is a significant difference in this regard between the experimental groups and the control group. Conclusion Group cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy are effective trObjective The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in reducing craving among opiate addicts. Method A quasi-experimental research design along with pre-test/post-test and control group was employed for the conduct of this study. The statistical population of this study included the opiate dependent individuals who had presented to the addiction treatment center affiliated to the Healthcare Network of Sarpol-e Zahab city in the first half of 2017. The number of 36 participants diagnosed with opioid dependence-based on the diagnostic and statistical guidance criteria (the fifth version) was selected via convenience sampling method out of the population volunteered for receiving health care services and qualified with the entry criteria of the study. At random, 12 patients were assigned to the first experimental group, 12 ones were assigned to the second experimental group, and 12 ones were placed in the control group. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Axis I Disorders (SCID-5), Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5(R) Personality Disorders, and Heroin Craving Questionnaire constituted the data collection tools in this study. The experimental groups received eight two-hour sessions of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and twelve 90-minute sessions of group cognitive-behavioral therapy. Results The results of this study showed that there is no significant difference between the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in decreasing craving (except for the component of no control over consumption) in opiate addicts. However, there is a significant difference in this regard between the experimental groups and the control group. Conclusion Group cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy are effective treatments for decreasing craving in opiate addicts. eatments for decreasing craving in opiate addicts.

Objective: This research sought to develop and validate a coping model based on semantic-value components of language in relapse prevention of substance abuse in Isfahan in 2016. Method: A mixed research method was used in this regard. The sample units in the qualitative section included a number of substance abusers that were selected via purposive sampling method. The sample size in this section was considered based on grounded theory in such a way that the interviews would reach saturation. The researcher reached saturation after 15 interviews, which means that no further indicators were added to the constituent elements of the semantic-value components of the language from the eleventh interviewee onward. The statistical population of this study in the quantitative section included 30 drug abusers who were selected by random sampling method and were matched in two groups, i. e. experiment and control ones. The experimental group received nine 45-minute counseling sessions based on semantic-value components of language and the control group remained on the waiting list. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data in the qualitative section where data were recorded with the subjects' confirmation. After the preliminary study on four experts, the content validity of the interview was assured considering the opinion of the four experts (psychologists and consultants). In order to collect data in the quantitative section of the study, Wright Relapse Questionnaire was used (1993). The collected data in the qualitative section were analyzed through coding and the data in the quantitative section were analyzed through covariance analysis. Results: The results showed that substance abusers with submissive and passive identities were in the process of breaking the structure and eliminating the hegemony of the dominant discourse in the society under the influence of the dominant discourse in the consumer society. In the fight (antagonism and otherness) with dominant authorities, such as the family, counselor, and guide; they also take refuge in their own central signifier, i. e. drug use. With the formation of empty signifier, which is distance from intimacy, affection, and trust, they turn to drug use once more with inefficiency and insufficiency in the society and stabilize the meaning of consumption. Conclusion: Counseling based on the therapeutic model of semantic-value components of language is significantly effective in preventing substance abuse relapse.