Abstract: The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a group counseling program using neurolinguistic programming (NLP) for individuals abusing alcohol.

Methods

In a quasi-experimental study, 48 participants were recruited from five alcohol medical centers. The NLP group counseling program was provided to the experimental group for 90 minute sessions twice a week for 5 weeks. Pre-post data were collected from November, 2014 to April, 2015. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and independent t-tests.

Results

Compared with the control group, participants in the experimental group showed significantly decreasing scores for depression (t=−2.19, p=.033) and alcohol craving (t=−3.59, p=.001). Participants in the experimental group also showed improved self-efficacy related to drinking refusal (t=3.05, p=.004).

Conclusion

Study findings support using the NLP group counseling program with patients abusing alcohol as it is effective in improving depression, drinking refusal self-efficacy, and craving. Therefore, the NLP group counseling program is a useful nursing intervention to prevent relapse in alcoholics.

Weblink: ( https://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2018.27.2.98 )