Title –Therapeutic Intervention for Opioid Dependence: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Case Study

Abstract

Background – Opioid dependency is a serious public health concern. India is one of the largest legal producers of opium and has an established pattern of use of opioid group of drugs. Opioid substitution therapy (OST) has displayed better outcomes compared with other existing treatment strategies. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a fast growing treatment modality used more and more to help individuals overcome addiction and maintain recovery.Substance dependence or addiction is more than the physical dependency on substance, implementation of DBT intervention for SUDs should be considered as a part of treatment as it focus not only on core psychological elements which leads dependence but prevent relapse and maintain abstinence.

Case presentation – This case study is about AB, 32-years old, male who sought care for opium dependence (smack).His chief complaints included difficulty in controlling and managing urge to take substance, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, guilt, and strained relationship with his wife and low mood. Psychological Assessment was done using Severity of dependence scale (SDS), Brief-Cope Questionnaire, Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and Interpersonal Competence Questionaaire-15 (ICQ-15). DBT skills were applied over the period of 2 months (13 sessions) along with TAU. Outcome of the intervention showed a decline in dependence levels, increased distress tolerance, better emotional regulation and interpersonal competence skills. The patient showed decrease drug dependency, maintain abstinence and improved skillful behavior.

Conclusion- Thus, It seems that DBT skill training increase the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy and work on psychological elements of substance dependency to enhance over all wellbeing of the patient. Skills taught in DBT do seem to support the needed foundation of substance Dependence treatment; motivation for change, motivation to continue in treatment, and staying mindful of high-risk situations.