NCJ Number
141981
Journal
Journal of Addictions and Offender Counseling Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1993) Pages: 46-57
Date Published
1993
Length
10 pages
Annotation
To examine the prevalence of cognitive deficits in substance abusers, a sample of 108 court-ordered admissions to a therapeutic community was studied to determine how the presence of cerebral dysfunction might relate to indexes of treatment participation, compliance, and outcome. The study hypothesized that abusers with neuropsychological deficits would be less compliant with the treatment program and remain in residence fewer days than cognitively intact abusers.
Abstract
Data were collected from intake interviews, a neuropsychological test battery, the Staff Rating Scale, and admission and discharge information obtained from clinical charts. The findings showed that residents with neuropsychological deficits tended to be older, to have more extensive drug use histories, to be viewed less favorably by staff members, to be removed from the program more often for failure to obey rules, and to stay in residence fewer days than their counterparts. The researcher noted that program rules are presented during the earliest phase of treatment, even though cognitive functioning is lowest during the first few weeks of drug abstinence. These cognitive impairments, induced by abuse of psychoactive substances, include decreased speed and efficiency of information processing, distractibility, and difficulty with problem solving. These initial problems may make it difficult for clinicians to establish an effective therapeutic relationship with cognitively impaired residents. Recognizing their functional restrictions could change the general approach to case management of these individuals. Outcome rates could also be improved through a cognitive processing remediation program. 1 table, 1 figure, and 49 references