Effect of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on self esteem, emotional intelligence and relapse rate among patients with psychoactive substance use disorders in a Nigerian rehabilitation center

Background Psychoactive substance use is a major public health concern in Nigeria and is associated with low self-esteem and poor emotional intelligence.Objectives To evaluate the effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and relapse among patients with psychoactive substance use disorders.Methods This hospital-based experimental study included 400 participants allocated to an intervention group (CBT plus treatment as usual; *n* = 200) and a control group (treatment as usual only; *n* = 200). The intervention comprised 12 CBT sessions. Emotional intelligence and self-esteem were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Relapse was analyzed using SPSS version 23, with statistical significance set at *p* < 0.05.Results Baseline emotional intelligence and self-esteem were comparable between groups. Following the intervention and at three-month follow-up, the CBT group showed significantly higher emotional intelligence and self-esteem scores (*p* < 0.001). Relapse was significantly lower in the CBT group (13.0%) than in controls (63.0%). CBT independently reduced relapse risk (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.06–5.04), while higher emotional intelligence was also protective (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.50–0.71).Conclusion CBT significantly improves emotional intelligence and self-esteem and reduces relapse among individuals with psychoactive substance use disorders.