Técnicas cognitivo conductuales para modificar conductas agresivas en consumidores de sustancias psicoactivas

Abstract

Substance abuse has been associated with increased aggression, which can manifest itself through impulsive behaviour and intense sensation seeking. This problem of aggression linked to psychoactive substance use has become a major concern in terms of public safety, and has led mental health professionals to become involved in various settings to address it. Therefore, the main objective of this case study is to identify cognitivebehavioural techniques for the modification of aggressive behaviours in psychoactive substance users. This research has a mixed approach - non-experimental, cross-sectional and descriptive in scope. The selected sample was non-probabilistic-homogeneous, composed of six subjects who met the following inclusion criteria: age between 20-29 years; and being treated for addiction to psychoactive substances in the Rehabilitation Centre N/N located in the province of El Oro, Machala city. In addition, two psychologists were interviewed. The instruments used for qualitative data collection were the semistructured interview and qualitative observation, on the other hand, quantitative data were obtained by using the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (Staxi-2) composed of 49 questions, divided into three scales: Anger State consists of three subscales measuring feeling, verbal expression and physical expression of anger, with a total of 15 questions; Trait Anger contains two subscales assessing anger temperament and anger reactions, with a total of 10 questions; The Anger Expression and Control scale includes four subscales measuring internal and external expression, as well as internal and external control of anger, with a total of 24 questions. The results declare Cognitive Restructuring, Social Skills Training and Role playing as the cognitive-behavioural techniques most used by mental health professionals to mitigate aggressive behaviours in substance users. The Staxi-2 results indicate that four of those assessed were in a moderate state of anger, one in a high state and one in a low state. However, all showed elevated levels of trait irritable temper. In addition, five of the six cases showed open expression of anger and poor control over it. A therapeutic plan focused on the regulation of anger levels and its sequelae in the aggressive behaviours of the users is also proposed. It is concluded that identifying the thoughts and behaviours that affect both substance users and others is an essential step in their recovery process, so applying what they have learned and changing behaviours they used to consider normal can be shocking, but through this genuine transformation, effective results will be seen.