Examining the Effectiveness of Group Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy Based on Schema on Impulsivity of Substance Abusers

Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) based on schema on impulsiveness of substance abusers in Karaj. Materials and Methods: This study was quasi-experimental with pre-test, post-test and control group. The statistical population of this study consisted of male substance abusers who referred to Addiction Treatment Clinics of Karaj in 2010. The sample of the study consisted of 30 substance abusers who were selected randomly and were assigned into experimental and control groups. To evaluate the participants in pre-test and post-test, Whiteside and Lynam impulsivity questionnaire was used. Participants of experimental group received group CBT for 12 sessions but participants of control group received no interventions. After implementing the post-test, data were analyzed using covariance analysis and SPSS 16software. Results: There were significant differences in impulsivity variables between experimental and control groups after the implementation of CBT (P = 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest the importance of group CBT herapy in reducing impulsivity. According to results, group CBT can be a complementary aspect of medical treatment in improving psychological problems associated with addiction.