Cognitive functions of subjects with cocaine and crack dependency disorder during early abstinence

Cognitive effects caused by cocaine and crack consumption, especially deficits in executive functions may increase the likelihood of drug-seeking behaviour and interfere with the ability of users to assimilate and participate in rehabilitation programs.

To determine in early abstinence the state of executive functions, the impulsiveness and craving in cocaine and crack consumers.

This cross-sectional study functions, with a sample of 60 male aged between 31.38 ± 7.26 years old, distributed in three groups: inhaled cocaine users (CDP-I; n = 15), with 23.13 ± 7.2 age of onset of consumption; crack cocaine users (CDP-C; n = 26), with 20.81 ± 4.21 age of onset of consumption, and a control groups of no-addiction individuals (n = 19). Sociodemographic, clinical and cognitive assessments were applied.

The data showed that significant differences in socioeconomic level score and impulsiveness. Consumer groups have with lower scores with respect the control group. CDP-C group showed poor performances compared to the CDP-I and control groups, in the Berg Test, Tower of London, numbers in the direct order and subtraction. CDP-I group showed less score in planning compare with the other two groups.

In early abstinence crack users manifest a greater number of deficits, mainly in working memory, planning and cognitive flexibility.