Outcome of Integrated Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Egyptian patients with Substance Use Disorder

Abstract Objectives The authors aimed to evaluate the outcome of combined motivational in- terviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy (MICBT) for substance use disorder com- pared to Twelve-step program of Narcotic Anonymous (NA) in terms of the number of relapses and the period of abstinence after discharge. Method This randomized controlled trial included 60 individuals with a substance use disorder. Participants were randomly allocated to equal groups. The MICBT group re- ceived 20 sessions of approximately 90 minutes of MICBT group therapy. The NA (control) group was assigned to twelve-step NA program. The assessment was con- ducted 6 months after the intervention. Result The implementation of MICBT in a group setting leads to a significant decline in the number of days of drug use in 6 months follow- up (P < 0.001), an increase in the number of days of abstinence in 6 months follow up (P < 0.001), and a longer time to the first lapse (P < 0.001). Conclusion Using MICBT in group settings presents a favorable outcome in clinical contexts.