Progressive Muscle Relaxation: intervention program in people with alcohol dependence

INTRODUCTION: Alcohol consumption is often used in an attempt to reduce anxiety, being an inadequate coping strategy, it can lead to alcohol abuse and dependence. Anxiety is a transient emotional state of reaction to situations perceived as threatening, frequent in people with alcohol dependence during the abstinence period. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a technique that allows the person to reduce levels of stress, anxiety, anger and reach an increased state of calm. OBJECTIVES: To train people undergoing treatment for alcohol dependence to use the PMR after discharge. To promote anxiety self-management. To prevent relapse. To evaluate the effect of the Therapeutic Relaxation Program (TRP) on the anxiety levels of people undergoing treatment for alcohol dependence. METHODS: A TRP was conceived and implemented, based on Jacobson’s PMR, consisting of 6 sessions lasting 40 minutes, including 21 participants hospitalized for treatment of alcohol dependence. Considering the inclusion criteria: clinical status favorable to participation; moderate or high level of anxiety; agree to participate voluntarily. Exclusion criteria: unfavorable clinical status (disorientation, confusion, agitation, delirium tremens, hypoacusis); level of mild anxiety or panic; not knowing how to read or write; refuse to participate voluntarily. The experimental group (EG - in addition to the institution’s protocol treatment was included in the TRP) and the control group (CG - underwent the institution’s protocol treatment). Participants gave informed consent. In the TRP evaluation, the following were used: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-form Y1) – before and after the intervention; physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure) – before and after each session; and satisfaction questionnaire at the end of the program. RESULTS: The evaluation of the physiological parameters showed a decrease after each relaxation session. Comparing the mean values of the anxiety score (STAI-form Y1) between the two evaluation times (before and after the TRP), in the EG, there was a significant decrease in the anxiety scores, and this decrease was even greater in the group masculine. In the CG, comparing the average values of the anxiety score (STAI-form Y1) in the same timings as in the EG, an increase in anxiety was verified. The evaluation of the participants’ satisfaction revealed an increase in well-being and comfort at the end of the TRP, being greater in the male group. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that TRP produces positive effects in reducing anxiety levels, reducing physiological parameters and increasing the person’s well-being. The TRP was effective in reducing the anxiety of people undergoing treatment for alcohol dependence, enabling them to use other coping tools/strategies that will contribute to maintaining alcohol abstinence and preventing relapse. DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST: None Declared