Predicting Substance Use Relapse Based on Early Maladaptive Schemas and Loneliness in Individuals Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment

The present study aimed to predict relapse in substance abuse based on early maladaptive schemas and loneliness in individuals undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. To achieve the research objectives, out of 10,500 patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment in Region 7 of Tehran during the spring and summer of 2023, 374 individuals were randomly selected using Cochran's formula, of which 343 were finalized as the sample. Data were collected using the following questionnaires: the Substance Relapse Risk Questionnaire (Aghaie et al., 2007), the Young Schema Questionnaire - Short Form (2005), and the Russell Loneliness Scale (1980). The data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient. The results indicated that early maladaptive schemas and loneliness predict substance abuse relapse (P<0.01), with the greatest contribution coming from the schema domains of disconnection and rejection and the loneliness variable. Additionally, there is a significant positive relationship between the schema domains of disconnection and rejection, self-regulation, impaired functioning, and impaired limitation with substance abuse relapse (P<0.01), whereas there is no significant relationship between the other schema domains of goal-orientedness and vigilance with substance use (P<0.01). Finally, a significant positive relationship was observed between loneliness and substance abuse relapse (P<0.01). These findings can help therapists pay more attention to these psychological factors in treating patients to reduce the likelihood of substance abuse relapse.