Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Distress Tolerance in Individuals with Substance Use Disorder under Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Ne.C., Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran.

2 Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran

10.30468/beyhagh.2026.8355.325

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Substance use disorder is associated with a wide range of adverse consequences, among which reduced distress tolerance is considered a prominent feature. Accordingly, the present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on distress tolerance among individuals with substance use disorder under methadone maintenance treatment.
Methods: This applied, quasi-experimental study was conducted with one control group and two intervention groups among 45 individuals with substance use disorder undergoing methadone maintenance treatment in addiction treatment clinics in Neyshabur in 2025. Participants were randomly assigned to the three groups. The intervention groups received eight sessions of CBT or ACT. All participants completed the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and repeated-measures ANOVA.
Results: The results indicated a significant improvement in distress tolerance over time, with differences observed between groups (p < 0.001). Both ACT and CBT produced significant increases in distress tolerance compared to the control group; however, ACT demonstrated superior effectiveness (p = 0.019).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that ACT has more effective on distress tolerance and may contribute to increases distress tolerance among individuals under methadone maintenance treatment. Integrating ACT into routine addiction treatment protocols may strengthen treatment outcomes and promote greater recovery stability.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Beyhagh
Volume 31, Issue 2
September 2026
Pages 12-24

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics