Executive Functions in Methamphetamine and Heroin Users versus Non-Users

Abstract

Background: Substance abuse is an important worldwide health problem and also a brain disorder. The main aim of this research was the comparison of executive functions in methamphetamine and heroin users versus non-users. Methods: The research method of current study was Ex-post facto. The method of sampling in both methamphetamine and heroin group was purposeful; but non-users group has been selected randomly. Statistical population in this study was heroin and methamphetamine dependents or abusers in the Isfahan city, Iran, which were referred to medical rehabilitation centers and psychiatric clinics in this city in 2012. Finally, 75 patients were selected in the three equal (n = 25) groups, methamphetamine, heroin and non-users groups, according to criteria of drug abuse or dependence in DSM-IV-TR; they were evaluated based on the Tower of London and Stroop Neuropsychological Tests. Findings: The non-users group had better performance in the Tower of London and Stroop tests than substance dependents groups (P < 0.05). Heroin group show better performance than methamphetamine group in the Tower of London test (P < 0.05). However, these two groups did not show significant differences in the Stroop test. Conclusion: Methamphetamine and heroin use causes prefrontal cortex and executive dysfunctions and neurological disturbances in fronto-striatal systems function. According to our findings, we can design professional cognitive rehabilitation programs to rehabilitate them to be ready to comeback to personal, occupational and social life.

Keywords

• Executive functions
• Methamphetamine
• Heroin