Abstract
RationaleThe majority of drug abusers are incapable of sustaining abstinence over any length of time. Accumulating evidence has linked intense and involuntary craving, Impulsive decision-making and mood disturbances to risk for relapse. However, little is known about temporal changes of these neuropsychological functions in methamphetamine (METH)-dependent individuals.ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of length of abstinence on decision-making, craving (baseline and cue-induced), and emotional state in METH-addicted individuals.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 183 adult METH-dependent patients at an addiction rehabilitation center who were abstinent for 6 days (n = 37), 14 days (n = 33), 1 month (n = 31), 3 months (n = 30), 6 months (n = 26), or 1 year (n = 30) and 39 healthy subjects were administered the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) to assess decision-making performance. Depression, anxiety, and impulsivity were also examined. One hundred thirty-nine METH abusers who were abstinent for the aforementioned times then underwent a cue session, and subjective and physiological measures were assessed.ResultsMETH dependent individuals who were abstinent for longer periods of time exhibited better decision-making than those who were abstinent for shorter periods of time. And self-reported emotional symptoms improved with abstinence. METH abusers’ ratings of craving decreased with the duration of abstinence, while cue-induced craving increased until 3 months of abstinence and decreased at 6 months and 1 year of abstinence.ConclusionsWe present time-dependent alterations in decision-making, emotional state, and the incubation of cue-induced craving in METH-dependent individuals, which might have significant clinical implications for the prevention of relapse.
Highlights
Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is a worldwide problem that imposes substantial global public health and costly social burdens [1,2]
In this cross-sectional study, 183 adult METH-dependent patients at an addiction rehabilitation center who were abstinent for 6 days (n = 37), 14 days (n = 33), 1 month (n = 31), 3 months (n = 30), 6 months (n = 26), or 1 year (n = 30) and 39 healthy subjects were administered the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) to assess decision-making performance
METH dependent individuals who were abstinent for longer periods of time exhibited better decision-making than those who were abstinent for shorter periods of time
Summary
Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is a worldwide problem that imposes substantial global public health and costly social burdens [1,2]. Relapse rates following psychosocial and pharmacological treatments are high in METH-addicted individuals and remains the major problem [3,4,5]. A better understanding of the mechanisms that increase relapse susceptibility could contribute to the development of more effective relapse prevention treatments in METH dependence. There is a growing evidence of potential psychological problems and cognitive impairments as a result of prolonged METH use in humans [6]. Individuals with substance dependence frequently show signs of impaired emotion and neurocognitive functions, even after prolonged abstinence from drug use [7,8,9]. Few have examined the role of abstinence on neurocognitive deficits, and the results is mixed [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
