Examine the relationship between mindfulness and drug craving in addicts undergoing methadone maintenance treatment

The aim of this study was examination the relationship between mindfulness and drug craving in addicts undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. The subjects of this research were 80 addicts undergoing methadone maintenance treatment selected through available sampling from four addiction treatment center in Ahvaz from March 2012 to September 2012. Two questionnaires to examine the variables of this study were the five facets mindfulness questionnaire [FFMQ] and hero-in craving questionnaire [HCQ]. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. The Pearson correlational results indicated significant reverse relation between mindfulness factors and craving sub scales [P<0.05]. Besides, the regression results indicated that four factors of mindfulness such as observation, describing, acting with awareness and non-reactivity to inner experience can totally predict 48 percent of craving variance [P<0.01]. There is a reverse relation between mindfulness and craving. Therefore we advise the researchers in ad-diction fields that in line with various studies that indicated effectiveness of mindfulness based interventions in improving various psychological problems, be researcher in effectiveness of this intervention in addiction fields. Moreover, we advise the addiction therapists to use mindfulness based interventions and technics in order to reduction of emotional and cognitive problems co morbidities with addiction such as craving that is one of potential factors affecting survival and relapse to drug abuse

Comparison of general well-being of patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy [MMT] with patients under-going naltrexone therapy

Drug abuse is a problem that causes a wide array of social, emotional, and physical problems and involves both patients and the society. Helping the addicted has always been a priority for physicians and especially psychiatrists. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the effects of methadone and naltrexone in general well-being of patients undergoing these treatments. Forty-six patients who were taking either methadone or naltrexone were selected and evaluated for a period of 5 months using a 28-item questionnaire about their general health. In spite of the fact that patients undergoing methadone treatment had more severe symptoms and prognoses regarding their age, duration of drug abuse, and number of treatment attempts, these patients showed better general health and social functioning comparing to patients undergoing naltrexone treatment during the 6-month period of this study [P<0.000]. Methadone might be regarded as an effective and useful medicine in treatment of addiction