Comparing the effects of combined cognitive behavioral therapy and methadone therapy with the association of narcotics anonymous addicts on executive functions of quitting drugs volunteer addicts in Jiroft

Currently, a combination of drug and psychological therapies is common to treat and prevent relapse in addicts. One of the most important strategies for recovery and prevention of relapse is psychological therapy and maintenance therapy applying drugs such as methadone. Therefore, the present study compares the effect of cognitive-behavioral and methadone therapy combination therapy with the association of narcotics anonymous addicts on the executive functions of quitting drugs volunteer addicts in Jiroft.

The present study was a quasi-experimental (semi-experimental) posttest with a control group.  On this regard, 40 patients with substance abuse cases who had referred to addiction treatment centers were selected by available sampling method and randomly divided into two groups: A) Cognitive-behavioral combination therapy combined with methadone maintenance therapy and B) The control group was appointed. The third group included 20 people who referred to the association of narcotics anonymous addicts. After the intervention, the subjects completed the London Tower test. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20 and descriptive statistical methods and analysis of variance.

Data analysis showed that there was a difference in executive functions between two treatment groups of the association of narcotics anonymous addicts and combination therapy (p<0.05). There is also a difference in the executive functions between control group and two therapeutic groups (p<0.05).

Combination therapy and the association of narcotics anonymous addicts are effective in improving the executive functions of addicts’ drug quitting. However, the association of narcotics anonymous addict has made further improvements in these functions.