Comparison of Learning Ability and Memory between Opiate- and Methamphetamine-Dependent Patients and Healthy People

The present study aimed at comparing the learning and memory ability between methamphetamine- ant opiate-dependent patients and healthy people. A causal-comparative research method was employed in this study. The statistical population of the study included the men with methamphetamine and opioid dependence and healthy men in Tehran. The sample consisted of 20 men with methamphetamine, 17 opioid dependent men, and 20 healthy men who were selected via convenience sampling method. In this research, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) were used for data collection. The results of this study showed that drug dependent persons had lower scores in learning ability and memory than the healthy group. The opioid group was weaker in the recall ability and recognition of information. The methamphetamine group showed more repetition in the recall and interference in the recognition of the words. The drug-dependent group undergone a higher degree of harm to learning and memory ability. Further study of the vulnerability of these groups provides constructive tips for the arrangement of appropriate interventions in the realm of rehabilitation.