The effect of alcohol on the neuropsychological functioning of recently abstinent cocaine-dependent subjects.
Neuropsychological deficits in the areas of learning, memory, attention, and abstraction abilities have been associated with cocaine dependence, especially during the period of early abstinence. Although cocaine users tend to be multidrug users, few studies have focused on the combined effect of alcohol and cocaine on neuropsychological functioning. Consistent with prior research, results from the current study indicated that cocaine-dependent subjects showed a significantly greater degree of neuropsychological impairment as compared to controls. In addition, cocaine-dependent subjects with a history of alcohol disorder showed less memory impairment but similar impairments in attention and overall neuropsychological functioning as cocaine subjects with no such history. The vasodilatation produced by alcohol may attenuate some of the vasoconstriction and neurotoxic effects of cocaine, accounting for the fewer deficits in this group.
Abi-Saab
Danielle
D
Yale University School of Medicine, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA. danielle.abi-saab@yale.edu
Beauvais
John
J
Mehm
John
J
Brody
Michelle
M
Gottschalk
Christopher
C
Kosten
Thomas R
TR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D003237:Connecticut / Q000453:epidemiology; D016578:Crack Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D013695:Temperance; D013997:Time Factors
D016578:Crack Cocaine