[Development of a manualized cognitive behavioral therapy program for Japanese drug addicts and a study of the...

In the West, various psychological programs have been developed to treat drug dependence. Although some programs have been performed as trials in a few facilities in Japan, there are no psychological treatment programs available in many facilities, and their effects on Japanese drug abusers have not been well studied. We developed a manualized cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) program for Japanese clients with drug dependence based on a review of the literature. The program focused on the development of relapse prevention skills through role-playing, enhancement of motivation for recovery and self-care using relaxation technique. We studied the effects of the program for Japanese drug abusers. We evaluated the change after treatment, and compared findings between an intervention group and a control group. The results indicated that the program improved self-efficacies to cope with cravings and situations that increased the risk of relapse only in the intervention group, and physical complaints were decreased in the intervention group, although such complaints were increased in the control group. Seventy percent of the intervention group members indicated satisfaction and 50% indicated that the program was useful. These findings showed that the relapse prevention program was effective for Japanese clients. However, most emotional factors relevant to craving were not adequately changed in either group. We should improve the program, allowing the clients an opportunity to try the relapse prevention skills outside the facility and focus the emotion during a trial in vivo.