EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOR AMPHETAMINE USE DISORDER: IMPACT OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND BEHAVIORAL FACTORS IN PAKISTAN

Background: Amphetamine use disorder (AUD) is a significant public health concern globally, with rising incidence in Pakistan. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established intervention for substance use disorders, yet its effectiveness may vary based on socio-demographic and behavioral factors. This study aims to assess the efficacy of CBT for AUD in Pakistan and explore how factors such as education, profession, duration of addiction, residence, age, family support, smoking, and alcohol intake impact treatment outcomes. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was utilized with 100 participants recruited from outpatient treatment facilities and rehabilitation centers across Pakistan. Fifty participants received a culturally adapted CBT program, while 50 participants in the control group received standard treatment as usual (TAU). Pre-test and post-test assessments measured changes in AUD symptoms, psychological well-being, quality of life, and relapse rates. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, ANOVA, multiple regression, and survival analysis. Results: Participants in the CBT group showed a significant reduction in the frequency of amphetamine use from 5.8 to 2.3 days per week (p < 0.001), and a substantial decrease in Addiction Severity Index (ASI) scores from 30.2 to 18.7 (p < 0.001). Improvements were also observed in psychological measures, with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores decreasing from 22.4 to 14.1 (p < 0.001) and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores decreasing from 18.5 to 11.3 (p < 0.001). Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) scores improved significantly from 45.3 to 62.0 (p < 0.001). The TAU group showed improvements, but these were less pronounced compared to the CBT group. Socio-demographic factors such as higher education, stable employment, and strong family support were positively associated with better outcomes, while unemployment, longer duration of addiction, and regular alcohol intake were negatively associated. Conclusions: CBT is effective in reducing amphetamine use, improving psychological well-being, and enhancing quality of life among individuals with AUD in Pakistan. The study highlights the importance of tailoring CBT interventions to consider socio-demographic and behavioral factors to optimize treatment outcomes.