research on addiction

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of metacognitive therapy on emotion regulation and relapse self-efficacy in individuals with substance dependence. Method: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design, a control group, and a two-month follow-up phase. The statistical population consisted of all individuals with substance dependence who referred to addiction treatment centers in Kermanshah in 2024. A sample of 40 people (20 for each group) was selected using convenience sampling, considering the inclusion criteria. They were then randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Participants in both groups completed the difficulties in emotion regulation scale and the relapse self-efficacy scale at pretest, posttest, and follow-up. Metacognitive therapy was administered to the experimental group over eight 90-minute sessions, once a week. The control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures Analysis of Variance and Bonferroni's post-hoc test. Results: The results showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of emotion regulation and relapse self-efficacy. Specifically, metacognitive therapy significantly reductied difficulties with emotion regulation and increased relapse self-efficacy in the experimental group. The treatment effects were sustained at the follow-up stage. Conclusion: It is suggested that mental health and addiction professionals use this treatment as an effective intervention to reduce the psychological problems of individuals with substance dependence.