The effect of dialectical behavioral therapy on craving and depression in methadone patients

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a common medication for opioid dependence disorder. Despite the positive results, this therapy has many physical and psychological effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) on craving and depression in people under the methadone maintenance therapy. This is a randomized, controlled clinical trial with intervention (DBT) and control (MMT) groups. Initial diagnostic evaluations were performed by psychiatrist and clinician at a clinical interview. Fifty men referred to methadone treatment clinic were randomly assigned to the two groups (intervention and control). Data were collected through demographic information questionnaire, craving scale, depression questionnaire, treatment validity questionnaire, and treatment alliance questionnaire for pre-test, post-test and follow up. The results showed that the scores of the intervention group were significantly reduced in comparison with the control group in craving and depression after 4 months of intervention and 2 months follow-up (P<0.01). The combination of the methadone therapy and dialectical behavior therapy can be useful in reducing craving and psychological problems of opiate dependent people. Considering the emphasis on a dialectical behavioral therapy on emotional regulation as the main mechanism for change, this treatment can be a useful therapy for other psychological disorders that are involved with emotional problems.