The Role of Withdrawal Self-efficacy, Craving and Attention Bias in Predicting of Relapse in Individuals with Methamphetamine Abuse

Substance abuse incurs huge social costs in society and leads to significant clinical distress in individuals. One of the most widely used drugs in recent years is methamphetamine. One of the major challenges for people with substance abuse disorders is recurrence or relapse. The aim of this study was to determine the role of withdrawal self-efficacy, craving and attention bias in predicting relapse in individuals with methamphetamine abuse.

This descriptive-correlational study was performed on all individuals with substance abuse disorder (methamphetamine) who referred to addiction treatment centers in Ardabil, Iran, between October and February of 2019. A total of 172 individuals were selected by available sampling method. Data were collected using the Macleod's Dot Probe test, Short scale of substance abuse, Wright's relapse prediction questionnaire, and the Brahmson's Addiction Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise regression analysis using SPSS 21 software.

The results showed that craving and bias of attention had a significant positive relationship with relapse and withdrawal self-efficacy had a significant negative relationship with relapse (p<0.01). The results of regression analysis also showed that withdrawal self-efficacy with components could predict 22%, craving 24% and attention bias 13% of relapse changes (p<0.01).

Withdrawal self-efficacy, craving and attention bias play an important role in predicting relapse of substance users and the results of the present study can be used in the prevention and treatment of people with substance abuse disorder.