Effect of Psychodrama Group Therapy on Remission and Relapse in Opioid Dependence

Relapse is one of the most common problems in the addiction treatment. The aim of this study was to increase the remission rates, reduce relapse rates and investigate the effect of psychodrama on depression, anxiety and locus of control after treatment in a group of inpatients diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD).

The study was started with 13 inpatients diagnosed with OUD and completed with six members. In addition to psychoeducation, the psychodrama study of 13 sessions lasted. The control group consisted of six individuals with the same diagnosis and characteristics, who had only undergone psychoeducation. Hamilton Depression-Anxiety and Rotter Locus of Control Scales were applied to the participants before and after the group.

Anxiety rates decreased in both groups according to pre-test and post-test results. In the outpatient part of the study, five patients in the patient group remained in treatment and clean at the end of the fifth month and four at the end of the sixth month. In the control group only two people could remain in treatment and clean at the end of the sixth month. The most effective psychodrama techniques were empty chair, doubling and mirroring.

Both psychodrama techniques and SAMBA program are applications that reduce anxiety levels of patients. It was concluded that psychodrama applications aimed at increasing the internal control belief may be beneficial in terms of increasing the motivation of the patients and coping with relapse.