Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training and Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Increasing the Quality of Life and Emotion Regulation of People under Methadone Treatment

Abstract

Background and Aim: This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness training and group cognitive-behavioral therapy on increasing the quality of life and emotion regulation of methadone patients.

Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with pre-test, post-test and control groups. The statistical population of this study included all people under methadone treatment in addiction treatment centers in Tehran's second district, which were 2,500 under the supervision of the Welfare Organization in the second half of 1997. The sampling method of this study was purposeful. The sample of this study included 60 people under methadone treatment randomly selected in 3 experimental groups (20 in the mindfulness training group, 20 in the cognitive-behavioral therapy group and 20 in the control group). The experimental groups underwent treatment sessions, but no action was taken in the control group. Subjects answered the Miller Quality of Life Questionnaire (1989) and Gratz (2004) Emotional Regulation Questionnaire before and after treatment. The tests were repeated again one month after the end of treatment. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni tracking test.

Results: The results showed that mindfulness training and cognitive-behavioral group therapy are effective in increasing the quality of life and emotion regulation in patients. The effect of mindfulness is greater and the effect persists in one-month follow-up.

Conclusion: As a result, it can be recommended that mindfulness training be implemented in addiction treatment centers, especially since this study showed that the effect of mindfulness training continues over time.