Effectiveness of Group Narrative Therapy on Depression, Quality of Life, and Anxiety in People with Amphetamine Addiction: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Drug abuse is a major issue and one of the main causes of health, psychological, and social problems. Studies have shown the effectiveness of narrative therapy in reducing psychological symptoms of addiction. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of group narrative therapy on depression, quality of life (QoL), and anxiety among people with amphetamine addiction in Kermanshah, Iran. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted during 2015-2016 among patients (n=26) with amphetamine addiction in Kermanshah, Iran. The participants were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group followed 10 sessions of narrative therapy, whereas the control group received routine psychiatric care. The data collection tools included a demographic data form, Beck depression inventory-II, QoL questionnaire, and Beck anxiety inventory. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22.0). P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in depression and anxiety scores between the pre- and post-intervention stages (P<0.001) in the intervention group. However, their QoL was unaffected by the therapy (P=0.487). These variables did not show a significant change in the control group. Conclusion: Group narrative therapy reduced the level of depression and anxiety in patients with amphetamine addiction. However, their QoL was unaffected by the therapy.