A Comparative Study on Effectiveness of Mindfulness Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and 12-Steps Model on Relapse Prevention Among Persons with Substance Use Disorder in Selected Rehabilitation Centers in Nairobi and Kajiado Counties in Kenya.

Jacqueline A. Anundo, Ph.D. Candidate in Clinical Psychology; Caroline A. Muaka, Ph.D; & Kennedy Ongaro, Ph.D., Daystar University.

Abstract

High relapse rates present significant challenges for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare effectiveness of mindfulness cognitive behaviour therapy (MCBT) and the 12-Steps model on relapse prevention among persons with SUD in selected rehabilitation centres in Kenya. Objectives of this study were to establish the baseline socio-demographic characteristics; types of substances abused and relapse rates from previous treatments; to compare post-discharge relapse performance of MCBT participants vs 12-Steps participants in selected rehabilitation centres in Kajiado and Nairobi Counties in Kenya. This study adopted quasi-experimental design targeting 96 rehabilitation centres, focusing on participants aged between 18 - 40 years. The study used a sample size of 120 participants from 6 rehabilitation centers. Purposive sampling was used to select the study sites while convenience sampling used to select participants. The rehabilitation centers were grouped into 3 experimental groups (MCBT) and 3 control groups (12-Steps). Data was collected through questionnaires and assessment tools consisting of a Socio-Demographic Questionnaire, Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Advance Warning of Relapse (AWARE) Questionnaire. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive, inferential statistics. The study found that age and religiosity were significant SUD relapse risk factors.  Generally, both interventions, MCBT and 12-Steps model, were effective managing SUD, however, it was evident that MCBT had a higher success rate than 12-Steps model in preventing SUD relapse. It is, therefore, recommended that SUD rehabilitation institutions in the country begin adopting MCBT. The study also recommends that among the SUD rehabilitation institutions that opt to continue with the 12-Steps model, their counsellors should be given additional training on MCBT. Finally, religious leaders as well as other stakeholders need to work on destigmatizing addiction and encourage treatment for persons with SUD and especially females with substance use problems.

Keywords: 12-steps, Mindfulness Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, relapse, SUD