Comparison of Neuropsychological Function between People with Substance Abuse and Normal Counterparts

The aim of this study was to compare neuropsychological function between people with substance abuse and normal counterparts. The present research was a causal study. The statistical population of this study consisted of the male substance abusers presenting to Imam Reza Hospital in Khorramabad city in 2016. The sample consisted of 30 drug addicts under methadone treatment and 30 non-addicted people who were selected via convenience sampling method. For data collection, Wechler Memory Sclale and Continuous Performance Test were performed. The results showed that the substance abuse group's performance was significantly different from that of the normal group (p <0.05). The chronic consumption of psychoactive substances causes damage to multiple brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus; thus, it disrupts the cognitive functions of these regions.