NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTION AND PSYCHOSOCIAL STATUS OF ALCOHOL REHABILITATION PROGRAM RESIDENTS

This investigation examined the relationship between changes in psycho social status and changes in neuropsychological function of clients un dergoing treatment for substance use. A sample of 74 adults enrolled a t a rehabilitation program for substance use were randomly assigned to two groups (one serving as a comparison group for practice effects). Participants were tested three times over 60 days on self-esteem, moti vation, depression, and neuropsychological function. Consistent with o ther studies, participants demonstrated impaired baseline neuropsychol ogical function that improved with alcoholic abstinence; however, chan ges in motivation and depression were associated with positive changes on few tests of neuropsychological function. The more common predicto r of improved motor function test scores was low baseline function. Pa rticipants who remained in treatment were more likely to be Black, hom eless, report less alcohol consumption, and score lower on a motivatio nal scale than those who left treatment.