Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Methamphetamine Dependence among Methadone-Maintained Patients

Background: Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been suggested as a treatment program for methamphetamine dependence. Objectives: The current brief report aimed to assess the effectiveness of 16 sessions of this treatment for abstinence from methamphetamine and improvement of psychological well-being among methadone-maintained patients. Methods: Overall, 200 male and female methadone patients who were on stable methadone doses were assigned to either an intervention group (n=100) or a control group (n=100). The study was part of a randomized controlled trial conducted in five methadone services in Shiraz, near the Persian Gulf of Iran. All methamphetamine-dependent participants were assessed using two questionnaires at baseline, post-test (the end of the 16th cognitive-behavioral therapy or control session), and a three-month follow-up that was conducted 90 days after the end of the 16th session. Urinalyses were also conducted to detect methamphetamine use at the same assessment points. The control group was in a wait-list control condition. There was no participant attrition during the assessment procedures. Results: Overall, 30 participants in the treatment group became abstinent at post-test and remained abstinent at follow-up. 16 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy led to a significant reduction in methamphetamine use (P < 0.001) and improved psychological well-being (P < 0.001) in the treatment group while there was no significant change in the control group. Conclusions: Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be an efficacious option for methamphetamine problem in methadone treatment although further studies are suggested on long-term abstinence.