Effectiveness of group metacognitive therapy on recovery indicators in Muslim female drug abusers: Evidence from Afghanistan

Abstract

Objective: Substance abuse is associated with a plethora of issues and harmful outcomes. It contributes to antisocial behavior and psychological disorders. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of metacognitive group therapy (MCGT) on recovery indicators in Muslim female drug abusers in the Herat Province of Afghanistan.Methods: In this study, Muslim female drug abusers (N=30, mean age 38.15 years, 100% female, 100% Afghan) were randomized to group metacognitive therapy (MCGT) or treatment as usual (TAU). The MCT group received six sessions of MCT in addition to conventional treatment. The TAU group received only conventional treatment. All participants completed a demographic questionnaire and Metacognition Questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Drug Use Evaluation Questionnaire, Personal Concerns Inventory, Motivational Structure Questionnaire, and Situational Confidence Questionnaire (SCQ). Data were collected at baseline and at the 3-month follow-up sessions. Results: Compared with TAU, MCT reduced anxiety, depression, drug use evaluation, and personal concerns, as well as improved motivational structure, situational confidence, and metacognitive beliefs. Conclusions: It seems that MCT may be an essential addition to methadone maintenance therapy.This study strongly suggests that MCT is an effective treatment for improving Muslim drug abusers’ recovery indicators, but only in cases of mild to moderate severity. For persons with severe substance abuse, additional treatment may be necessary.