Neurocognitive Ability in Adults Coping with Alcohol and Drug Relapse Temptations

Abstract

Coping is important for preventing relapse, but may be utilized differently depending on the individual's level of cognitive functioning. Impaired reasoning, attention, and memory are commonly observed in alcohol‐dependent individuals. This study describes the prospective relationship between neuropsychological functioning and utilization of coping strategies in predicting outcome one year after discharge from an inpatient alcohol treatment program. Male veterans (n = 43) hospitalized in an alcohol treatment facility were given structured interviews, coping questionnaires, and neuropsychological testing, and were followed three and 12 months after discharge. Neuropsychological ability moderated the relationship between coping and drinking outcomes one year after treatment. This was particularly true for patients with better neurocognitive functioning. Specifically, patients with higher neurocognitive performances and more maladaptive coping responses, such as self‐blame, had a greater percentage of drinking days at follow‐up. Alcohol‐dependent adults with good neuropsychological functioning may be able to benefit more from coping skills training. For those with neuropsychological deficits, coping skills training may need to take cognitive limitations into consideration.

• Neuropsychological functioning
• Neurocognitive functioning
• Addiction relapse coping strategies
• Alcohol abuse