According to the nature of the research, a quantitative and experimental approach is used. Quantitative approach is a research orientation that studies the studied phenomenon based on numerical and statistical indicators (Creswell, 2012).
It should be noted that based on the purpose of the research, the current research is an applied research. Because its findings can help solve the problems ahead.Due to the availability of a sufficient sample for group research, the current research design is semi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group.
Considering the topic of the present research, PASS software will be used first to estimate the sample size with an alpha error coefficient of 0.05 and a beta error coefficient of 0.8 (Jabari Nougabi, 2009).
After that, the people who meet the criteria for entering the research are randomly assigned to 4 groups (three experimental groups and one control group). Then by manipulating the independent variable, i.e. providing cognitive-behavioral therapy and tDCS stimulation therapy to the test groups, its effect on the dependent variables (reduction of basic and induced cravings, reduction of clinical symptoms of anxiety and depression, and The improvement of neuropsychological functions, i.e., cognitive inhibition and behavioral inhibition in the treatment of patients with glass (amphetamine) abuse disorder will be measured and analyzed.
Before the intervention, a pre-test will be done from all four groups (three experimental groups and one control group) by implementing research questionnaires.
Then, test group 1 received cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and test group 2 received tDCS (DLPFC area) with the right anode-left cathode protocol and the third group received both treatments to check synergy. will do And the control group will not receive any intervention.
After the implementation of the intervention, a post-test of all four groups will be conducted by implementing research questionnaires.
According to the designed diagram of the research plan, after placing the sample subjects into three test groups and one control group based on the specified treatment protocols, the pre-test will be done from all four groups.
Then, the number of sessions and the days of the sessions will be coordinated with the patients, and after the end of the treatment sessions (sessions will be held weekly in two 45-minute sessions), a post-test will be done for all four groups.
It should be mentioned that in order to control the intervening variables, people in 4 groups will first be replaced by a random method, which is the simplest method of controlling the intervening variables, and then based on the theoretical foundations of the research and the intervening variables, the people of the 4 groups will be matched until the variables Intervener to be controlled.
Finally, a one-sided blind intervention study method will be used in which the participants are not aware of which group they have been placed in and what treatment method has been prescribed for them.
This research is in phase two. Because in this phase, the emphasis is on effectiveness. This stage is done with the aim of obtaining preliminary information about whether tDCS and CBT treatments work in the experimental group or not.
To control the side effects of the intervention, ethical considerations will be observed in the research and all people will participate in the research with informed consent and the subjects will be properly informed of all the information that can be effective in making decisions. This information will include: the title and objectives of the research, the duration of the research and the method that is going to be used.
Also, every subject can withdraw from the study at any time and will be informed and supported about the potential risks and losses caused by early withdrawal from the study.
The researcher will also answer all the questions and concerns of the sample people patiently and accurately. These items are reflected in the informed consent.
The researcher is responsible for observing the principle of confidentiality and keeping the subjects' secrets and taking appropriate measures to prevent their publication, and any kind of damage or loss caused by participating in the research will be compensated by the researcher.
At the end of the research, any person from the sample, who wants to know about the results of the research, will be provided with the results.