Effect of emotional intelligence intervention on alexithymia and mental health in individuals with opioid use disorder: A study in Nagaland.

Opioid remains the most lethal group of drugs, significantly contributing to the global burden of disease. Addressing the emotional and psychological factors associated with opioid use disorder is critical, particularly in regions with high prevalence rates such as Nagaland, India. According to the 2019 National Survey, 6.50% of Nagaland’s population is affected by opioid-related issues. Emotional deficits can lead to negative psychological outcomes and hinder effective coping strategies, making it essential to explore how EI can be leveraged in treatment. While existing EI intervention studies primarily focus on healthy adults, there remains a significant gap in understanding how EI can specifically benefit individuals struggling with substance addiction. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of EI intervention on EI, alexithymia, and the mental health of individuals with opioid use disorder. The baseline assessment will include the administration of the questionnaire to evaluate EI, alexithymia, and mental health. Additionally, individuals meeting DSM 5 criteria for moderate to severe opioid use disorder will be identified. The EI intervention program includes 8 modules spread over 8 weeks, with 1 session held each week.