Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Training Based on Gross Model in Impulsivity and Sensation Seeking in Men with Substance Abuse on Methadone Maintenance Therapy in the West of Iran (Ilam Province)

Background: The low level of emotional regulation, caused by the inability to deal with emotions and manage them, plays a role in substance abuse. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of emotion regulation training, based on the Gross model, in impulsivity and sensation seeking in substance abusers on methadone maintenance therapy in Ilam province. Methods: The current quasi-experimental study used a pretest-posttest design. The population of this research included all substance users in the rehabilitation centers (clinics) throughout Ilam province receiving methadone maintenance therapy. Sixty individuals were selected by random sampling and assigned randomly into two groups (n = 30) of control and experiment (n = 30). The experimental group received an eight-week intervention (a 90-minute session per week), and the control group did not receive any intervention or training. At the end of the course, a posttest was administered for both groups. Data were collected through two questionnaires of Barret and ZSSSC (Zuckerman's sensation-seeking scale) and analyzed using MANCOVA. Results: Covariance analysis showed that training addicts on methadone maintenance therapy to regulate their emotions reduced impulsivity and excitement compared to the control group (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: As male substance abusers are more exposed to negative emotions, they act impulsively and without a plan in this situation. Therefore, training them to regulate their emotions can increase their control in such cases.