Progressive Muscle Relaxation: intervention program in people with alcohol dependence

Abstract

Introduction

Alcohol consumption is often used in an attempt to reduce anxiety, being an inadequate coping strategy, it can lead to alcohol abuse and dependence.

Anxiety is a transient emotional state of reaction to situations perceived as threatening, frequent in people with alcohol dependence during the abstinence period.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a technique that allows the person to reduce levels of stress, anxiety, anger and reach an increased state of calm.

Objectives

To train people undergoing treatment for alcohol dependence to use the PMR after discharge.

To promote anxiety self-management.

To prevent relapse.

To evaluate the effect of the Therapeutic Relaxation Program (TRP) on the anxiety levels of people undergoing treatment for alcohol dependence.

Methods

A TRP was conceived and implemented, based on Jacobson’s PMR, consisting of 6 sessions lasting 40 minutes, including 21 participants hospitalized for treatment of alcohol dependence.

Considering the inclusion criteria: clinical status favorable to participation; moderate or high level of anxiety; agree to participate voluntarily. Exclusion criteria: unfavorable clinical status (disorientation, confusion, agitation, delirium tremens, hypoacusis); level of mild anxiety or panic; not knowing how to read or write; refuse to participate voluntarily.

The experimental group (EG - in addition to the institution’s protocol treatment was included in the TRP) and the control group (CG - underwent the institution’s protocol treatment).

Participants gave informed consent.

In the TRP evaluation, the following were used: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-form Y1) – before and after the intervention; physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure) – before and after each session; and satisfaction questionnaire at the end of the program.

Results

The evaluation of the physiological parameters showed a decrease after each relaxation session.

Comparing the mean values of the anxiety score (STAI-form Y1) between the two evaluation times (before and after the TRP), in the EG, there was a significant decrease in the anxiety scores, and this decrease was even greater in the group masculine.

In the CG, comparing the average values of the anxiety score (STAI-form Y1) in the same timings as in the EG, an increase in anxiety was verified.

The evaluation of the participants’ satisfaction revealed an increase in well-being and comfort at the end of the TRP, being greater in the male group.

Conclusions

It is concluded that TRP produces positive effects in reducing anxiety levels, reducing physiological parameters and increasing the person’s well-being.

The TRP was effective in reducing the anxiety of people undergoing treatment for alcohol dependence, enabling them to use other coping tools/strategies that will contribute to maintaining alcohol abstinence and preventing relapse.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared