Assessment Role of Participation in Narcotic Anonymous in Opiate Dependents during Abstinence

Background : The activity level of Narcotics Anonymous group (NA) is expanding in many countries, including Iran. Some research has confessed the benefits of 12-step NA approach compared with similar methods. In the present study, the role of regular participation of opioid addicts in the NA group was studied in terms of abstinence rate and compared with routine program of detoxification centers of the person Welfare Organization and Medical Sciences University.
Materials and Methods : All addicts who attempted to quit in self-introducer clinical centers of Medical Sciences University and the Welfare Organization of Rafsanjan were suggested to participate and not to participate in NA, based on even and odd numbers, respectively. Among them, two equal 120-person (NA and control) groups were selected, then evaluated every three months and followed up for 12 months. Their status was assessed through questionnaires, interviews, and morphine tests.
Results : The purity rate of NA group with 8.49 months was significantly different with normal addicts in 5.19 months (p=0.001). The recurrence rate at 12 months was significantly lower in the NA group compared with the control group, calculated through independent t-test (p=0.001). Quitting history and addiction duration in the NA group was significantly higher than control group.
Conclusion : The findings of the research support a better prognosis for participants of NA group. Further researches are recommended to provide useful clinical information for patients and professionals.