Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Relapse Prevention in Methamphetamine Addict Patients

Background: Drug abuse has become one of the major problems in society and has become more prevalent among young people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in relapse prevention in methamphetamine-dependent patients. Materials and Methods: In this study, a single-case experimental design with a linear asynchronous base line was used. Three male methamphetamine addicted patients were chosen, who had come to the Welfare Organization, and to the Addiction Withdrawal Center in Takab Township. Patients underwent a diagnostic interview, and a structured clinical interview with a purposeful sampling method. The study tools used were Structured Clinical interview (SCID), demographic characteristic questionnaire, urine test, Gorski Relapse Prediction Scale (1989) and Individual Therapy Protocol (ACT). The results were determined using methods of visual inspection, reliable change index (RCI), improvement percentage formula, clinical significance change and operational measurement. Results: The data showed that there was a significant reduction in the probability of recurrence in patients (P <0.05), based on clinical and operational measurements. Conclusion: Acceptance and commitment (ACT) therapy is effective in preventing relapse in methamphetamine-dependent patients.