Evaluation of Emotional Self-Awareness and Impulse Control in Drug-Dependent Individuals With and Without Borderline Personality Characteristics Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT)

Abstract

Background: Drug addiction is one of the most significant problems related to general health in the world, creating various mental problems in addicts and leading to social and family difficulties. Emotional factors also play a key role in treating addiction. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine emotional self-awareness and impulse control in drug-dependent individuals with and without borderline personality characteristics undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Patients and Methods:This was a descriptive-correlational study. The population of the study included 361 drug-dependent individuals under Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) who were selected randomly among referrals to substance abuse treatment clinics in Zahedan, Iran, in 2013. To obtain data, emotional self -awareness and impulse control were assessed using Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQI) and Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III (MCMI-III). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Results: The findings indicated no significant differences between these two groups in terms of their emotional self-awareness (P ≥ 0.01). With regard to impulse control, the results revealed significant differences between these two groups (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusions:It can be indicated that reinforcing components of emotional intelligence, especially emotional-awareness and impulse control, are effective methods to develop against substance use in among drug-dependent individuals.