Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2025

A Conditioned Place Preference Protocol for Measuring Incubation of Craving in Rats
Published on: November 6, 2018
Neurocognitive Impulsivity in Opiate Users at Different Lengths of Abstinence
Elena Psederska1,2, Jasmin Vassileva3,4
1Bulgarian Addictions Institute, 93 Antim I Str., 1303 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Abstract:
The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of length of abstinence on decision making (impulsive choice) and response inhibition (impulsive action) in former opiate users (OU). Participants included 45 OU in early remission [0−12 months of abstinence], 68 OU in sustained remission [>12 months of abstinence], and 68 control participants. Decision making was assessed with the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), the Cambridge Gambling Task (CGT), and the Monetary Choice Questionnaire (MCQ). Response inhibition was examined with the Stop Signal Task (SST), and the Go/No-Go Task (GNG). Results revealed group differences in decision making under risk (CGT) and ambiguity (IGT), where control participants displayed better decision making compared to OU in early remission. Both groups of former OU were also characterized by higher discounting of delayed rewards (MCQ). Regression analyses revealed minimal effects of length of abstinence on performance on decision-making tasks and no effects on delay discounting. In addition, both OU groups showed reduced action inhibition (GNG) relative to controls and there were no group differences in action cancellation (SST). Length of abstinence had no effect on response inhibition. Overall, our findings suggest that neurocognitive function may not fully recover even with protracted abstinence, which should be addressed by relapse prevention and cognitive remediation programs for OU.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Drug Dependence
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Analgesia and Pain Management

