Solution-focused group therapy for drug users in Japanese prison: nonrandomized study

抄録

Objective: Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) has shown treatment effects for a range of clients but not specifically for drug users in Asian populations. We exploratively examined the treatment effects of SFBT on drug use. Methods: Participants were 60 inmates in a Japanese prison who were convicted of a drug-related offense. They were non-randomly assigned to the SFBT group, treatment as usual (TAU) group, or mail feedback (Mail) group. They completed the Stimulant-Relapse Risk Scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale before the start and after the end of these programs. Results: The SFBT and TAU groups showed more improvement on the Stimulant-Relapse Risk Scale than the Mail group did. However, the two groups did not show improvement on the depression scale. Conclusions: SFBT is applicable to Asian drug users. The practical application of SFBT in Asian populations is discussed.