The impact of memory training on abstinence among individuals with alcohol use disorder

Chronic excessive alcohol consumption is associated with cognitive deficits. Patients with cognitive impairment, particularly memory deficits, may have difficulties in acquiring new semantic and procedural information which could affect the effectiveness of clinical treatments. Memory training (MT) as an adjunct to evidence-based treatments is a promising approach to improve memory, cognitive functions, and abstinence rates. The objective of the study was to determine whether MT could positively influence memory function and long-term abstinence in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) undergoing detoxification.

Patients with AUD were recruited in a two-stage process from a clinic for medical rehabilitation of alcohol dependence in Lübeck, Germany (N = 210) and assigned to the control arm (treatment-as-usual only; no-MT) or the experimental arm (treatment-as-usual with MT). At weeks 2, 6, and 10, cognitive function was examined using a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests. The abstinence rate was assessed at months 3 and 6 after discharge.

Memory performance significantly improved over the course of treatment, among both groups. However, patients who had received MT showed significantly greater improvement and a significantly higher abstinence rate six months after discharge (53%), compared to the no-MT group (36%).

Memory training appears to be a promising supplementary therapy for withdrawal treatment of patients with AUD, resulting in improved memory and long-term abstinence. Future research into the effectiveness of cognitive training should be conducted in other treatment settings and for other substance use disorders.