Comparison of the Effects of Brief Intervention (BI) on Relapse Prevention and Withdrawal Permanency in Opioid Addicts and Stimulant Users: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Addiction to narcotics and stimulants is a major social and health challenge worldwide. Objectives: Considering the importance of non-medical treatments in addiction rehabilitation and the necessity of psychotherapy programs in substance abuse rehabilitation centers, the present study aimed to compare the effects of Brief Intervention (BI) on relapse prevention and sustained abstinence in opioid addicts and stimulant abusers seeking help from drop-in-centers (DICs) dedicated to harm reduction in Ahvaz, a city in southwestern Iran. Methods: This applied, quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design. The statistical population included 120 male substance abusers and opioid addicts aged 18 to 59, systematically selected from 467 individuals with active files in Iran’s Drug and Alcohol Treatment Information System (IDATIS) under the Ministry of Health in 2023. Participants were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomized into four groups: Two experimental groups and two control groups, each with 30 participants. Brief Intervention was provided only to the two experimental groups in four 60-minute sessions, while no intervention was offered to the control groups. Testing tools included specific kits for screening morphine and amphetamines in the urine of participants. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures and descriptive statistical methods, utilizing SPSS version 24. Results: The study demonstrated that BI was significantly effective in relapse prevention and promoting sustained abstinence in opioid addicts attending harm reduction centers in Ahvaz (P < 0.001). However, BI was not effective in preventing relapse or promoting abstinence in stimulant abusers (P = 0.235). Conclusions: The findings suggest that BI is an effective intervention for preventing relapse and promoting abstinence in opioid abusers. It is recommended that executive managers of addiction harm reduction centers guide their experienced social workers to implement this method as a selective psychotherapy approach complementary to medical treatment for opioid addicts.