Decision-making processes as predictors of relapse and subsequent use in stimulant-dependent patients

Abstract

Background Decision-making processes have been posited to affect treatment outcome in addicted patients. Objective The present multi-site study assessed whether two measures of decision-making predicted relapse and subsequent use in stimulant-dependent patients. Methods 160 methamphetamine- or cocaine-dependent patients participating in a multi-site clinical trial evaluating a modified 12-step facilitation intervention for stimulant-dependent patients (STAGE-12) were assessed. Decision-making processes of risk and delay [Iowa Gambling Task (IGT)] and response reversal [Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST)] were obtained shortly after treatment admission followed by assessment of stimulant use over the next six months. The relationships of the IGT and WCST (Perseverative Errors) with relapse (yes/no) and days of stimulant use during the 6-month period following post-randomization were evaluated. Results Performance on the IGT and WCST did not significantly predict relapse status or time to relapse. Unexpectedly, better performance on the IGT was associated with a fewer number of stimulant use days (p = 0.001). In contrast, worse performance on the WCST (more perseverative errors) was associated with a greater number of stimulant use days (p = 0.0003). The predictive effects of perseverative errors on subsequent use were confined to methamphetamine-dependent and Minority participants. Conclusions Decision-making processes, as measured in the current study, do not uniformly predict relapse or subsequent use. A decrease in the salience attribution of nondrug reinforcers may explain the positive relationship between IGT performance and post-relapse use. More comprehensive and global measures of impulsiveness may better assess relapse risk and use.

The impact of cognitive training in substance use disorder: the effect of working memory training on impulse control in methamphetamine users

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To identify predictors of relapse in cases of alcohol dependence syndrome in relation to life events

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Substance Abuse: From Abstinence to Relapse

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