Difficulties of Emotional Regulation of Inpatient Residents with Substance Use Disorders in Bridges of Hope Rehabilitation Center: Basis for the Development of Psychological Counseling and Intervention Program

This study explores the emotional regulation difficulties experienced by inpatient residents with substance use disorders at the Bridges of Hope Rehabilitation Center. Addiction impacts brain centers responsible for pleasure and euphoria, often leading individuals to lose behavioral control and pursue substances despite damaging personal consequences. The research aims to assess emotional regulation using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), which evaluates emotional awareness, acceptance, clarity, and behavioral responses under distress. The study involved 20 participants, equally divided between males and females aged 18 and above. Findings, analyzed through SPSS 26.0, revealed moderate levels of emotional regulation difficulties across six DERS subscales: non-acceptance of emotional responses (Mean = 10.500, SD = 5.916), difficulty engaging in goal-directed behavior (Mean = 12.649, SD = 5.356), impulse control difficulties (Mean = 10.563, SD = 4.404), lack of emotional awareness (Mean = 12.729, SD = 4.460), limited access to emotion regulation strategies (Mean = 15.383, SD = 6.424), and lack of emotional clarity (Mean = 9.547, SD = 3.274). These results highlight the need for targeted intervention programs that prioritize emotional regulation as a preventive strategy in addiction treatment. The study underscores the importance of developing counseling approaches tailored to improving emotional control, which can aid in long-term recovery and reintegration.