The Efficacy of Transactional Analysis as a Community-Based Intervention for Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of transactional analysis (TA) as a recovery support for substance users with mild to moderate substance use disorders (SUD). A modified version of a 12-session TA program was implemented for 3 months. There were 25 participants who took part during the sessions. The findings revealed a significant treatment impact in reducing psychological distress and drug craving across all sub-elements, including intensity of craving, frequency of craving, duration of craving, and number of times of craving (p < .05). Over the course of the sessions, the frequency of lapses decreased. The findings indicate that TA is helpful in the recovery of those with SUD, especially by strengthening the Adult ego state and changing the stroking pattern and life position of individuals. Further research directions might include a follow-up study after the program, more attention to stress management, and the role of the Parent ego state. One implication of this study might be that providing a framework for a TA psychotherapy in the treatment interventions for individuals with SUD is useful.

Keywords:

• Transactional analysis
• Adult ego state
• substance use
• recovery
• psychological distress
• craving

Disclosure statement

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Notes on contributors

Ignatius C. Williams

Ignatius C. Williams, MA, is a graduate guidance counselor at the University of San Carlos Cebu, Philippines. He is involved in mental health support recovery, and his interests include mental health, substance use disorder, and addiction/addictive behavior. He can be reached at Department of Psychology, University of San Carlos, Talamban Campus, Nasipit, Cebu City 6000, Philippines; email: [email protected].

Glenn G. Glarino

Glenn G. Glarino, PhD, is a social psychologist who specializes in gestalt therapy, addiction recovery, and related mental health issues. He is the Chair of the Psychology Department at the University of San Carlos Cebu, Philippines, and teaches psychology there as well. He can be reached at Department of Psychology, University of San Carlos, Talamban Campus, Nasipit, Cebu City 6000, Philippines; email: [email protected].