Comparing the Effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy and Time Perspective Therapy on Emotion Regulation in Individuals with Substance Use Disorder: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background and Objectives: Substance abuse is a disaster for individuals, their families, and society.Its increasing trend creates significant challenges for individuals and healthcare systems.Effective treatment strategies are essential to address these challenges.Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of metacognitive therapy and time perspective therapy on emotion regulation in individuals with substance use disorder. Materials and Methods:This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group.The statistical population included all men with substance use disorder referred to addiction treatment centers in Kermanshah in 2024.Sixty individuals were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups (n=20 per group).The metacognitive group received 8 sessions, and the time perspective group received 6 sessions of intervention, while the control group received no intervention.Data were collected using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale by Gratz and Roemer (2004).The data was analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results:The effect of the interventions on improving emotion regulation (F=959.50,p=0.001) in individuals with substance use disorder was significant, and these positive effects remained stable during the follow-up period.Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference between the treatment methods (p<0.001), with metacognitive therapy being more effective in regulating the emotions of these individuals (p<0.001). Conclusion:Considering the impact of metacognitive therapy on emotion regulation in individuals with substance use disorder in the present study, more attention to providing training based on this intervention is recommended.