Emotional Dysregulation and Mental Health Challenges among Substance Users: A Psychological Perspective

Abstract

The present research aimed to explore the relation between a person’s emotion control, depression and anxiety levels among Pakistan's substance abusers. Current correlational research data was collected from 80 substance users admitted in different rehabilitation centres and hospitals in Islamabad and Gujarat. The components of interested variables were assessed by using standardized psychological tool such as the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) in Urdu version. Results of this study explored that significant prevalence of moderate to severe level of depression and anxiety among the substance abusers. Though, no significant difficulties in controlling and marinating emotion regulation were reported by the participants, which may also be explained by cultural variations on emotional expression and reporting in the Pakistan. Moreover, it was also revealed that a positive relationship was discovered between the length usage of any substance and different levels of anxiety.  The findings of study also highlight the need of mental health interventions in all rehabilitation and hospital settings. Intervention programs especially for depression and anxiety in substance users as well as cultural aspects that may influence emotion regulation habits needed to be more focused. The study endorses the combination of emotion regulation training and mental health training with rehabilitation centres efforts in Pakistan. Further,, further researches must focused on  using mixed-method and longitudinal study to considerate relationships of these variables in depth.