The Effectiveness of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy on Alexithymia and Self-Regulation in Individuals with Substance Use Disorder in Outpatient Centers

Objective: The present research aimed to determine the effectiveness of interpersonal and social rhythm therapy on alexithymia and self-regulation in individuals with substance use disorder in outpatient centers. Method: The current research was semi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population of the research included all men with substance use disorder in the outpatient centers of the city of Khorramabad in 2021. Of them, 18 people were selected using the convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to two experimental (n = 9) and control (n = 9) groups. Individuals in the experimental group received interpersonal and social rhythm therapy in twelve 45-minute sessions with a frequency of two sessions per week. To collect data, the Toronto alexithymia scale and the self-regulation questionnaire were used. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U non-parametric test. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy reduced alexithymia and increased self-regulation in individuals with substance use disorder. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy can be used to reduce emotional problems and improve self-regulation skills in individuals with substance use disorder.