Comparison of the Effectiveness of Group Cognitive-behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy in the Reduction Craving in Opiate Addicts

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in reducing craving among opiate addicts. Method: A quasi-experimental research design along with pre-test/post-test and control group was employed for the conduct of this study. The statistical population of this study included the opiate dependent individuals who had presented to the addiction treatment center affiliated to the Healthcare Network of Sarpol-e Zahab city in the first half of 2017. The number of 36 participants diagnosed with opioid dependence-based on the diagnostic and statistical guidance criteria (the fifth version) was selected via convenience sampling method out of the population volunteered for receiving health care services and qualified with the entry criteria of the study. At random, 12 patients were assigned to the first experimental group, 12 ones were assigned to the second experimental group, and 12 ones were placed in the control group. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Axis I Disorders (SCID-5), Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5(R) Personality Disorders, and Heroin Craving Questionnaire constituted the data collection tools in this study. The experimental groups received eight two-hour sessions of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and twelve 90-minute sessions of group cognitive-behavioral therapy. Results: The results of this study showed that there is no significant difference between the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in decreasing craving (except for the component of no control over consumption) in opiate addicts. However, there is a significant difference in this regard between the experimental groups and the control group. Conclusion: Group cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy are effective treatments for decreasing craving in opiate addicts.