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. 2021 Aug;43(6):599-610.
doi: 10.1080/13803395.2021.1976734. Epub 2021 Oct 6.

Cognition during active methamphetamine use versus remission

Marilyn Huckans  1   2   3   4 , Stephen Boyd  5 , Grant Moncrief  1   2   6   7 , Nathan Hantke  1   2   8 , Bethany Winters  1   3   4 , Kate Shirley  1 , Emily Sano  1 , Holly McCready  1   3   4   9 , Laura Dennis  1   3   4   9 , Milky Kohno  1   4   9 , William Hoffman  1   2   3   4   9 , Jennifer M Loftis  1   3   4
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Cognition during active methamphetamine use versus remission

Marilyn Huckans et al. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether cognitive performance in adults with active methamphetamine use (MA-ACT) differs from cognitive performance in adults in remission from MA use disorder (MA-REM) and adults without a history of substance use disorder (CTLs).

Method: MA-ACT (n = 36), MA-REM (n = 48), and CTLs (n = 62) completed the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB).

Results: The MA-ACT group did not perform significantly worse than CTLs on any NAB Index. The MA-REM group performed significantly (p < 0.050) worse than CTLs on the NAB Memory Index. The MA-ACT group performed significantly better than CTLs and the MA-REM group on the Executive Functions Index.

Conclusions: Some cognitive deficits are apparent during remission from MA use, but not during active use; this may result in clinical challenges for adults attempting to maintain recovery and continue with treatment.

Keywords: Cognition; addiction; dependence; neuropsychological; stimulant; substance use disorder.

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