Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026

A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats
Published on: February 20, 2019
Neuropsychological deficits and opiate abuse
P E Davis1, H Liddiard, T M McMillan
1Department of Psychology, Camden and Islington Mental Health NHS Trust, Margarete Centre, St James House, 108 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2LS, UK. paul.davis@cichs-tr.nthames.nhs.uk
Abstract:
Cognitive functioning was examined in people with a current or past history of opiate abuse using a range of neuropsychological tests. Sixty percent of those currently abusing opiates showed impairments of at least two standard deviations from the published norms on two or more neuropsychological tests, a significantly higher incidence than found in matched controls with no history of drug abuse. The drug free group of recovering addicts fell between the other groups without significant differences. It was concluded that the risk of neuropsychological impairment is greater in opiate abusers, and that recovery may occur during abstinence.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Analgesia and Pain Management
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Drug Dependence

