Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Craving and Stress Coping Among Incarcerated Young Men with Stimulant Use Disorder (Methamphetamine): A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Stimulant use disorder (methamphetamine) represents a significant challenge in correctional settings, where over 40% of incarcerated individuals may be affected. Despite limited access to evidence-based treatments, psychiatric nurses are uniquely positioned to deliver psychosocial interventions. This randomized controlled trial evaluated an 8-week nurse-led cognitive behavioural therapy intervention among 72 incarcerated men with stimulant use disorder (methamphetamine) in Turkey. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the nurse-led intervention consisting of eight sessions addressing cognitive restructuring, craving management, stress coping, and relapse prevention, or treatment as usual. The Substance Craving Scale and Stress Coping Scale were administered at baseline and post-intervention. Results demonstrated significant improvements in the experimental group, with a 38.5% reduction in craving intensity and 26.7% improvement in overall stress coping strategies. All three coping domains showed significant gains: social support seeking increased 34.1%, problem-focused coping 16.1%, and adaptive avoidance 33.7%. Effect sizes were large for stress coping and medium for craving reduction. These findings support the effectiveness of nurse-led psychosocial interventions in correctional settings and highlight the potential for psychiatric nurses to address substance use disorders among incarcerated populations, even in resource-limited environments.