Comparison of the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and motivational interviewing on self-control, reduction of substance use craving, and psychological distress in men addicted to drugs Comparison of the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
Journal of Clinical Physiotherapy Research,
Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026),
8 February 2026
,
Page 1-15
https://doi.org/10.22037/jcpr.v11i1.51359
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and motivational interviewing on self-control, reduction of substance use craving, and psychological distress in men addicted to drugs. Methods: This research was applied in terms of its objective and quasi-experimental in terms of data collection method. The statistical population consisted of drug-addicted individuals supported by the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee in Alborz Province, selected from Razi Clinic, Khomeh Barakat Addiction Treatment Center in Mohammadshahr, and Dr. Fayyaz Addiction Treatment Center in Karaj. Sixty participants were selected through convenience sampling from this population and were randomly assigned into four groups: 15 participants in the tDCS experimental group, 15 participants in the sham tDCS group (designed to control for the placebo effect by placing electrodes according to a specific protocol with or without real stimulation), 15 participants in the motivational interviewing group, and 15 participants in the control group who did not receive any intervention. The research instruments included the Drug Desire Questionnaire (DDQ), the Self-Control Scale, and the Psychological Distress Standard Questionnaire. For data analysis, descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (multivariate analysis of covariance) were employed using SPSS software. Results:The findings indicated that both transcranial direct current stimulation and motivational interviewing had significant effects on self-control, reduction of substance use craving, and psychological distress among men addicted to drugs (P ≤ 0.05), with motivational interviewing being more effective than tDCS. Conclusion: Considering the higher effectiveness of motivational interviewing, it is recommended that special training programs be designed and implemented for counselors and addiction treatment specialists to enable them to use motivational interviewing more effectively during the treatment process.
- Addiction, craving, self-control, psychological distress
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