International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health

International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health

The Effect of Drug Abstinence Program on Memory Functioning of Heroin Addicts

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sepideh Aryanfard 1
Fereshteh Rahimzadeh 2, 3
Maryam Moghani-Lankarani 2, 3
Rozainee Khairudin 1
Yahaya Mahamood 1
Shervin Assari 4, 5
1 School of Psychology and Human Development, National University of Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
2 Medicine and Health Promotion Institute, Tehran, Iran
3 Universal Network for Health Information Dissemination and Exchange (UNHIDE), Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
5 Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture and Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
10.20286/ijtmgh-0303117
Abstract
Introduction: Most of our knowledge regarding the link between opioid dependence and poor cognitive functioning is derived from cross sectional studies.This longitudinal study measured the change in memory functioning following complete abstinence among individuals with heroin dependence.
Methods: Using a before-after design,this study followed 30 adults with heroin dependence from entry to completion of an abstinence program (cold Turkey method). We collected data on demographic factors and drug use variables. Memory was measured using the Wechsler Memory Scale. Using the paired t test, we compared different domains of memory functioning (i.e. personal information, orientation, mental control, logical memory, number repetition, visual memory, associative learning and memory quotient) before and after abstinence.
Results: There wasa significant improvement in memory functioning on orientation, mental control, logical memory, number repetition, visual memory, association learning and memory quotient following completion of the abstinence program. The improvement, however, was not statistically significant for memory on personal information.
Conclusion: This study documented improvement of memory functioning among heroin dependent adults following complete abstinence (cold turkey method). Further research is needed on the effect of heroin abstinence on memory functioning.
Keywords
Memory
Heroin
Heroin Dependence
Heroin Dependence/Rehabilitation
Opioid-Related Disorders
Substance Dependence Disorders
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International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health
Volume 3, Issue 3 - Serial Number 10
Summer 2015
Pages 115-118

  • Receive Date 25 March 2015
  • Revise Date 13 May 2015
  • Accept Date 28 May 2015