Studying how cognitive-behavioral therapy affects the mental health of people seeking methadone treatment in Kerman addiction centers, Iran

BACKGROUND: Drug addiction is a chronic and relapsing disorder in which compulsive drug-seeking behavior and drug use continue despite serious negative consequences. The purpose of the present research is to examine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on the psychological well-being of individuals seeking methadone treatment at addiction treatment centers in the city of Kerman, Iran. METHODS: This is an applied study with a quasi-experimental design consisting of a control and an experimental group. The statistical population of the study included all individuals dependent on substances who sought addiction treatment at an addiction treatment center in Kerman City during the winter of 2021. The number of participants was decided using purposeful sampling, with 10 individuals selected for each group in the experimental study. Following a 10-week CBT intervention administered once a week to the experimental group, the participants were evaluated again using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, such as analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), using SPSS software. RESULTS: The ANCOVA revealed a significant difference in the psychological well-being variable between the experimental and control groups in the posttest, with a value of F1,27 = 17.98 (P < 0.01). In other words, psychological well-being was significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group after CBT sessions (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, the utilization of CBT along with methadone treatment significantly enhances the effectiveness of pharmacological therapy and prevention of opioid relapse.