Effect of Emotional Intelligence Training on Methadone-Treated Methamphetamine Users in Qazvin, Iran.

BACKGROUND

Drug users have lower emotional intelligence (EQ) than other members of society. This study aimed to determine the effect of EQ training on methadone-treated methamphetamine (meth) users.

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial with a pretest-posttest control group design was conducted on methadone-treated meth users referring to the Drop-in Center in Qazvin, Iran. The subjects completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), and those who scored higher than 80 (n = 70) were entered into the study and randomly divided into the intervention and control groups. The Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (Bar-On EQ-i) was administered for both groups. Subsequently, the intervention group participated in weekly 90-minute EQ training sessions for 4 sessions held by a psychiatric assistant. However, the control group received no intervention. Both groups were re-evaluated by the Bar-On EQ-i 3 months after the end of the training sessions. Eventually, qualitative and quantitative variables were compared between the two groups using an independent t-test and chi-square test, respectively.

FINDINGS: Based on the results, the EQ training program could significantly improve the EQ score in the intervention group (P = 0.03). Nevertheless, it showed no effect on reducing meth use (P = 0.13).

CONCLUSION

EQ training for meth users could increase EQ. Nonetheless, further studies with more effective methods are required to reduce meth use.