Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Brief Intervention on Relapse Prevention among Drug Users

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and stability of group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and brief intervention (BI) for relapse prevention (RP) among drug users of drop-in-centers (DICs) in Ahvaz, Iran. METHODS: The present study was a quasi-experimental one with a pretest-posttest design, a follow-up phase, and a control group. The statistical population included all drug users of drop- in-centers of Ahvaz in 2021. The sample of the study included 78 drug users selected randomly and assigned to two experimental groups and one control group (each 26 members). A morphine test (special kits) that detects the presence of morphine in urine was used to check the relapse. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with SPSS (version 24). FINDINGS: The results showed BI and CBT had a significant effect on reducing RP in drug users (P<0.001). The BI was more effective than CBT for RP. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that both BI and CBT can be effective in reducing the likelihood of relapse among drug users but BI is more effective than CBT for RP.