Effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques on Psychological Symptoms and Cravings Among Patients with Substance Related Disorders

Background: Numerous researchers have found a recurrent co-occurrence of cravings and psychological distress among addiction patients. Thus, this necessitates applying an evidence-based practice such as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), which is characterized by simplicity and can be used as a self-help tool for managing cravings and psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of EFT on psychological symptoms and cravings among patients with substance related disorders.

Design: Quasi experimental research design was used.

Setting: The present study was conducted at Elmaamoura Hospital for Psychiatric Medicine in Alexandria, Egypt.

Subjects: The subjects of the study comprised 90 patients.

Tools: Three tools were used: Tool I, Interview questionnaire sheet (sociodemographic and clinical data); Tool II, for substance related disorders and alcohol cravings, Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS); and Tool III: Symptom Checklist 90 scale (SCL-90 R).

Results: Applying the psycho-educational program of EFT significantly reduced levels of craving. Statistically significant decreases were observed in the three global indices (GSI, PSDI, PST) and all nine dimensions of the SCL-90 subscales after the sessions, indicating a reduction in psychological distress (p<0.005).

Conclusion: Applying the psycho-educational program of EFT significantly reduces levels of craving, with significant improvements in psychological symptoms among substance related disorders patients.

Recommendations: These results demonstrate that EFT could be an efficient adjunct tool for addiction treatment by reducing the high levels of craving and decreasing severity of the general psychological symptom distress among addiction patients.