Purpose: The purpose of this mixed method study was to examine effects of the self-transcendence enhancement program among patients with drug addiction, and to explore their experiences through the program. Methods: For the quantitative study, a non-equivalent control group quasi-experimental design was used. The sample was 49 hospitalized patients with drug addiction. The self-transcendence enhancement program was provided twice a week for 6 weeks. Quantitative data were analyzed using x2 test, t-test and ANCOVA. For the qualitative study, 12 patients in the experimental group participated in a focus group interview, and data were analyzed using the content analysis technique. Results: After the intervention, there were significant improvements for the experimental group in self-transcendence and declines in depression compared to the control group. From the qualitative findings three themes were identified as the change process after the intervention: `looking back at myself`, `gaining confidence through small changes`, and `finding meaning in life`. Conclusion: Results suggest that the self-transcendence enhancement program can be utilized as a nursing intervention program for patients with drug addiction.
