Neuropsychological Deficits in Patients with Alcohol and Other Psychoactive Substance Abuse and Dependence

Neuropsychological Assessment in Substance Abuse Treatment—Focusing on the Effects of Substances and on Neuropsychological Assessment as a Collaborative Process

“…In other studies, the participants have used multiple substances (Morris & Lawson, 1999;Thoma et al, 2011;Weinborn et al, 2011). In sum, there are considerable risks for impairments regardless of what substance that has been consumed (Lundqvist, 2009;Schrimsher et al, 2007).…”

“…Importantly, however, duration, quantity, and frequency of use, as well as polysubstance abuse, are associated with pronounced impairments (Lundqvist, 2009;Schrimser et al;Zinn et al, 2004). It also should be acknowledged that individuals with a history of substance abuse have a high prevalence of traumatic brain injury, which might impair neuropsychological functions (Kelly, Johnson, Knoller, Drubach, & Winslow, 1997;Lange, Iverson, & Franzen, 2008;Morris & Lawson, 1999). In other words, assessment of neuropsychological functions is preferably regarded as a complex process in which a variety of factors and circumstances have to be considered (Lundqvist, 1995;Prosser et al, 2008).…”

“…Because the assessment clarifies the strengths as well as the limitations of the unique client, assessment might help to counteract relapse in substance abuse (Morris & Lawson, 1999;Prosser et al, 2009;Schrimser et al, 2007;Wollenweber et al, 2012). It should, however, be acknowledged that neuropsychological assessment has to be evaluated as an appropriate intervention for understanding the needs of the client, and it has to be assured that the client has the strength to undergo the demanding process (Schrimser et al;Vakil, 2012).…”

“…With respect to treatment planning, it is just as important to discover that the neuropsychological functions of the client are satisfactory as it is to discover that there are impairments. Some of the treatment interventions that are generally used in substance abuse treatment might, however, be too cognitively demanding for clients with impairments, and the interventions should be adapted so that they match the needs of the unique client (Miller & Rollnick, 2002: Morris & Lawson, 1999Schrimser et al, 2007).…”

“…Neuropsychological assessment concerns the functioning of the individual client, including strengths and limitations, which are assessed and evaluated in a holistic manner, with respect to the social circumstances and emotional states (Good, 2000;Gorske, 2008). Moreover, neuropsychological assessment provides possibilities to identify impairments that are diffuse and/or sublime but nevertheless might have negative consequences for the life situation of the client (Gorske & Smith;Morris & Lawson, 1999;Schrimser et al, 2007).…”