Development and initial examination of a brief intervention for heightened anxiety sensitivity among heroin users.
Anxiety sensitivity (AS) recently has been identified as a potential cognitive vulnerability underlying substance use problems, with some evidence specifically indicating its relevance to heroin. Focusing on the potential utility of interventions centered on increasing willingness to have anxiety-related sensations reduce vulnerability for relapse following substance use treatment, the current article describes the development of a brief (6 session) behavioral treatment for heightened AS among heroin users. The treatment consists of the following components: (a) psychoeducation about anxiety; (b) interoceptive exposure exercises; and (c) skills-training focused on heightening emotional acceptance, tolerance, and nonevaluative awareness (to facilitate willingness). Preliminary data on this treatment are provided in the form of a case study with a 46-year-old African American man in an inner-city residential substance use treatment facility. Results indicate reductions in AS (especially physical concerns), as well as corresponding decreases in heroin cravings and improvements in emotion regulation.
Tull
Matthew T
MT
Center for Addictions, Personality, and Emotion Research and the University of Maryland at College Park, MD 20742, USA. mtull@psyc.umd.edu
Schulzinger
David
D
Schmidt
Norman B
NB
Zvolensky
Michael J
MJ
Lejuez
C W
CW
D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief; D012114:Residential Treatment; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome