The Effectiveness of Cognitive Therapy Based on the Matrix Model on Post-Treatment Depression and the Risk of Relapse in Crystal-Dependent Patients

The present research aimed to determine the effectiveness of cognitive therapy based on the matrix model on post-treatment depression and the risk of relapse in crystal-dependent patients.

The research was semi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all crystal-dependent patients referring to addiction treatment centers in the city of Bojnourd in 2022. Among them, 30 people were selected using the convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to two experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The participants in both groups completed the depression inventory and relapse risk questionnaire in pretest and posttest. Cognitive therapy based on the matrix model was implemented on the experimental group in 24 90-minute sessions. The data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance.

The results showed a significant difference between the two groups, and the cognitive therapy based on the matrix model reduced depression and the risk of relapse in crystal-dependent patients.

Considering that depression after withdrawal plays a key role in addiction relapse in crystal-dependent patients, it is possible to benefit from cognitive therapy based on the matrix model regarding the effectiveness on depression and ultimately reducing the risk of relapse.