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Semantic priming and verbal learning in current opiate users, ex-users and non-user controls
Stefania Battistella1, Natasha Constantinou, Celia J A Morgan
1Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.
Human Psychopharmacology
|September 22, 2012
Summary
Current and former opiate users exhibit intact semantic priming but impaired verbal learning and recall of unrelated words. This suggests a need for structured information to aid opiate-using clients in treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Limited research exists on semantic and episodic memory in opiate users.
- Existing findings on memory functions in chronic drug users are inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess semantic and episodic memory in current and former opiate users.
- To evaluate memory for both drug-related and neutral stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Independent group design comparing current opiate users, ex-opiate users, and healthy controls.
- Assessment of semantic priming and verbal learning.
- Groups matched on verbal IQ, age, and employment status.
Main Results:
- Current and ex-opiate users demonstrated intact automatic and controlled semantic priming.
- Ex-opiate users showed verbal learning impairment compared to controls.
- Both user groups were impaired in recalling semantically unrelated words but not related words.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a reduced spontaneous use of mnemonic strategies in opiate users.
- Highly structured information may benefit opiate-using clients undergoing treatment.
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