Efficacy of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) on Emotion Regulation, Addiction Severity, and Craving in Methamphetamine Abusers

Abstract

Background: Emotion dysregulation and cravings play a pivotal role in the relapse of individuals grappling with substance use disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) in ameliorating emotion regulation deficits and cravings among methamphetamine abusers in Tehran city. Methods: The study employed a semi-experimental design, featuring both a control group and intervention group. A sample was selected using convenience sampling, and 40 methamphetamine abusers in Tehran city were selected and randomly allocated into two groups: The intervention group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 20). The assessment tools employed included the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Desires for Drug Questionnaire (DDQ), and the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS). Data analysis was conducted through mixed repeated ANOVA, independent t-tests, and chi-square tests. Participants were evaluated at pre, post-intervention, and follow-up. Results: The results demonstrate that IPSRT significantly improves emotion regulation and substantially reduces cravings. This was conclusively indicated by the achievement of statistical significance (P < 0.05). The effects of IPSRT were not only immediate but also enduring, as evidenced by consistent positive outcomes observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions: This investigation demonstrated the significant advantages of IPSRT in enhancing emotion regulation, reducing the severity of drug dependence, and craving tendencies among methamphetamine abusers. The findings of this study offer promising implications for the treatment of substance use disorders, reinforcing the potential adoption of IPSRT as a fundamental therapeutic strategy.