The Comparison of the Effectiveness of Risperidone and Fluoxetine in Combination with Impulse Control Group Therapy on Improving of Impulsivity, and Relapse in Heroin Crack Addicts under Methadone Maintenance Therapy

The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of Risperidone and Fluoxetine in combination with impulse control group therapy on improving of impulsivity, and relapse in heroin crack addicts under methadone maintenance therapy. In a semi-experimental study, 39 heroin crack addicts who were under Methadone maintenance treatment selected of addiction withdrawal centers in Tehran. The selected sample was randomly assigned to three groups. First group was under (Risperidone 1 mg daily, impulse control group therapy for 8 sessions of 90 minutes, and methadone maintenance treatment), the second group was under (Fluoxetine 20 mg daily, impulse control group therapy for 8 sessions of 90 minutes, and methadone maintenance therapy), and the third group was under (impulse control group therapy for 8 sessions of 90 minutes, and methadone maintenance therapy). All participants completed the Barratt impulsivity scale (BIS-11) before and immediately after the end of intervention and follow up. Also, Morphine and stimulating drugs in urine were analyzed. The results showed that total impulsivity scores was decreased in post-test but not in follow up. That is, impulsivity decreased in both experimental groups. Results also showed that relapse rate was not significantly differed The combination of Fluoxetine with Methadone maintenance therapy and impulse control group therapy, was the most effective treatment on reduction of impulsivity, but not on relapse rate, in heroin crack abusers, in the short term.