Exploring the Relationship Between Emotion Regulation and Addiction Severity Among Adolescent Patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD): Insights from a Rehabilitation Center Study

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between emotion regulation and addiction severity among adolescent patients with substance use disorder (SUD). The study involved 100 participants from various drug rehabilitation centers. The sample size included 100 clients, aged 10 to 18 years (M=16.16 & SD=0.36) who have completed the detoxification process. Emotion regulation was measured using the Emotion Regulation Scale (ERS_T), which comprises Reappraisal and Suppression subscales. Drug addiction severity was assessed using the 20-Question Addiction Questionnaire (AQ_T). Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the associations between emotion regulation and drug addiction severity. The study found a weak positive correlation between overall emotion regulation (ERS_T) and drug addiction severity (AQ_T) among adolescent patients with SUD (r = 0.145, p < 0.01), suggesting a slight increase in addiction severity with better emotion regulation. There was a strong positive correlation between overall emotion regulation (ERS_T) and reappraisal (r = 0.752, p < 0.01), indicating higher reappraisal levels were associated with better emotion regulation abilities. Additionally, a moderate positive correlation was observed between overall emotion regulation (ERS_T) and suppression (r = 0.227, p < 0.05), suggesting higher suppression use linked to better overall emotion regulation scores. Positive correlation was found between overall emotion regulation and addiction severity, with cognitive reinterpretation (reappraisal) playing a significant role. Emphasizes the need for comprehensive interventions addressing emotion regulation to reduce addiction severity in this vulnerable population.