Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Training and Coping Therapy in Mode and Attitudes to Narcotics among the Adolescents at Risk of Substance Abuse

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of emotion regulation training and coping therapy in mode and attitudes to narcotics among the adolescents at risk of substance abuse. Method: The present study employed a quasi-experimental research design along with two experimental and control groups. The statistical population of this study included all male secondary school students in Kish Island in the academic year of 2017-2018 (577 students). To this end, 45 students were selected in accordance with the entry criteria of the research and were randomly assigned to three groups (emotion regulation training group, coping therapy group, and control group). The research tools in this study consisted of Questionnaire of Risk and Protection Factors of Alcohol Consumption, Smoking, and other Substances; and Positive and Negative Affect Questionnaire. Results: The results showed that emotional regulation training and coping therapy programs had a positive effect on positive affects and attitude toward drug use, and these changes occurred in the follow-up phase. However, these programs did not affect the participants' negative effects. Conclusion: To increase positive affects and to correct attitudes toward substance use in adolescents, emotion regulation and coping therapy programs can be used.