Effectiveness of Group Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy on Frequency of Substance Use and Depression among Substance Use Disorder Patients in Nigeria

Abstract

Substance use disorder is a global problem that can have a detrimental impact on individuals' health and professional lives. While the effect of group rational emotive behavioral therapy has been reported in most Western countries, little is known about the effectiveness of group rational emotive behavioral therapy on the frequency of substance use and depression among substance use disorder patients in Nigeria. This study investigated the efficacy of a 10-week group REBT on depression among substance use disorder patients in Nigeria. The study also adopted a randomized controlled pre-test and post-test design. Twenty substance use disorder patients were randomly assigned to two groups: GREBT Group (n = 10) and the Control Group (n=10). The GREBT group received 10-week 90-minute GREBT sessions once a week while CG was kept busy by the nurses with daily routine activities during experimental sessions. The assessment was carried out for both groups at baseline (pre-test), after the intervention (post-test), and one-month follow-up with measures of the Psychoactive Substance Use Questionnaire (PSUQ) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The results showed that participants in the GREBT group had decreased frequency of
substance intake and depressive symptoms at post-treatment and one-month follow-up compared to the participants in the CG. GREBT provided strong evidence on the frequency of substance use at post-treatment and one-month follow-up. Constant practice of GREBT led to a significant change in the frequency of substance use. It was suggested that comprehensive treatment and proper management of the patients significantly change the frequency of substance use. The implications of the study were discussed in line with the use of psychological treatments such as GREBT in the management of substance use disorder and depression among substance use disorder patients. This treatment is highly needed in hospitals where drug patients receive treatment.