Comparing the Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation With Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention on Craving and Resilience of Volunteers for Quitting Addiction

Abstract

Background: Many studies have emphasized the craving experience as a reason for the persistence of addiction. This study aimed to compare the effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (TDCS) with Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT) on reducing craving and increasing the resilience of addicts under treatment. Methods: The study population comprised all addicts referring to addiction clinics in. To implement the research, 45 participants were selected purposely from these clinics based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly assigned to three groups (15 participants in each group). The experimental group number 1 received electrical stimulation of the brain over the skull twice a week for the 10 sequential sessions. Experimental group number 2 received 10 sessions of CBT. Research tools were drug craving and resilience questionnaires. Results: The results of covariance multi-factor analysis of variance showed that TDCS and CBT have decreased craving and increased resilience. Conclusion: Both interventions can be utilized to enhance resilience and decrease craving in volunteers for quitting addiction referring to addiction clinics.

Keywords

• addicts
• craving
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• transcranial direct current stimulation
• resilience