Selective deficits in reflective cognition of polydrug abusers: Preliminary findings

Stephen J. Heishman, Herbert J. Weingartner, Jack E. Henningfield

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The goal of this study was to determine if drag abusers exhibited specific deficits in reflective cognition similar to that observed in detoxified alcoholics who were otherwise cognitively intact. Fifteen drug abusers and 15 non-drag-abusing control participants were administered a series of cognitive tests, which assessed various learning and memory functions. Drag abusers did not differ from controls with respect to most cognitive domains. However, drag abusers exhibited selective deficits in processing unstructured information and in inhibiting intrusion errors during word recall. Such deficits in reflective functioning may play a role in the initiation of drag use or maintenance of drag dependence.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)227-231
Number of pages5
JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Clinical Psychology

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