NEUROBEHAVIORAL CONSEQUENCES OF PROLONGED ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE-ABUSE- A REVIEW OF FINDINGS AND TREATMENT IMPLICATIONS

Interest in the neurobehavioral status of individuals who chronically abuse alcohol and other psychoative substances has broadened over the last two decades. Many studies have demonstrated the presence of neuro psychological deficits, often accompanied by measurable neurological a nomalies, in a large portion of these patients. Several investigations suggest that the presence of these neurobehavioral decrements is nega tively related to treatment response variables. Designing intervention s that take into account level of cognitive functioning (e.g., coping skills training, cognitive rehabilitation, etc.) may enhance treatment outcome of substance-abusing patients who seek help.