Cognitive and psychological changes during 28-day residential substance use treatment

Abstract

Alcohol use disorder is widespread in the United States and research suggests that significant neuropsychological damage can result from prolonged and/or excessive alcohol use. Neuropsychological and affective effects of prolonged and/or excessive alcohol use include memory deficits, limited emotional expression and recognition, and impairments in executive functioning. Research has yielded mixed results on the improvement of these deficits once alcohol use is discontinued. The aim of this study was to assess psychological changes during an approximately 28-day residential substance use treatment program among adults diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder (N = 122). Patients were predominantly White (91.8%) and male (77.9%). Cognitive, psychological and affective functioning were measured utilizing WebNeuro, a computer-based assessment of four specific domains (Feeling, Self-Regulation, Emotion, and Thinking). Time 1 assessments were completed following alcohol detoxification and Time 2 assessments were conducted upon discharge from the treatment facility, approximately 28-days after Time 1. Results revealed significant increases across all four domains at Time 2, suggesting that there were significant improvements in cognitive and psychological functioning over time. The effect of Time was qualified by a significant Time × AUDIT score interaction in predicting the Feeling and Self-Regulation domains, indicating the more severe the alcohol use, the greater the psychological improvement. Continued research is needed to determine whether functioning continues to improve following treatment for an alcohol use disorder.

Keywords:

• Alcohol use disorder
• cognitive improvements
• web-based assessments
• addiction

Acknowledgement

This project received support from the VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC Director: D.Oslin) through infrastructure support in the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. The views expressed in the article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States government.

Disclosure statement

The authors are responsible for the writing and data analysis for this manuscript. Drs. Shorey and Stuart received consulting compensation from Cornerstone of Recovery.