Neurocognitive performance in alcoholics: Is polysubstance abuse important?

The neurocognitive effects of alcohol have been frequently examined. Studie s reveal a wide array of cognitive deficits. Attempts to develop a parsimon ious model for these effects have been difficult because of the intra- and intersubject variability. Complicating the development of a model of cognit ive deficits in substance abusers is the common practice of polysubstance a buse. The use of theoretical models that focus on the underlying cognitive processes offers flexibility while maintaining sufficient theoretical preci sion. This article briefly reviews the literature on neurocognitive changes associated with substance abuse as well as the various theoretical models that have been studied. It also provides an overview of recovery of functio n. Its primary objective is to evaluate cognitive function among alcoholic subtypes, defined by patterns of other drug use. This analysis suggests the re are significant differences in neurocognitive function among these subty pes.