Comparison of cognitive impulsivity and planning ability between substance abusers and normal people

Substance abuse is associated with a series of brain executive dysfunctions. This research aims at comparing cognitive impulsivity (decision-making and response inhibition) and planning ability between addicted and non-addicted people.
The method of the current study was causal-comparative. All the Addicts admitted to addiction treatment centers of Ardabil city who had referred to the centers from April 21, 2017 to July 22, 2017 constituted the statistical population of this research. The research sample consisted of 60 participants who were selected via convenience sampling method from among the research population. Moreover, 60 non-addicts who were matched with the addicted group in terms of age, education, and marital status were selected via convenience sampling method from among the patient's companions and others. Both groups participated in Iowa Gambling test, Go-No Go task, and Tower of London task.
The results showed that cognitive impulsivity (decision-making and response inhibition) is observed in addicts more than that in non-addicts while planning ability is observed in the addicted group to a lower extent than that in the non-addicted group.
Drug dependent individuals have more risky decision-making processes, lower response inhibition, and weaker planning ability compared to ordinary people. Thus, executive dysfunctions are associated with substance abuse.