Cognitive neuroscience of cocaine drug use.

Abstract

Based on theories, such as the Dopamine Hypothesis, Schultz (1997, 2006), and Hyman's (2005) outlook on addiction as a disease of learning and memory, the main objective of this study was to assess for the first time, whether cognitive performance, with respect to Associative Learning, in a population of Cocaine users, was compromised. Secondary objectives included the identification plus confirmation of additional characteristics that might be related to the development and maintenance of the addiction. This was achieved by employing a quantitative approach, through the use of a battery of cognitive, biopsychosocial and demographic tests. These tests included a computer based Kamin Blocking and Latent Inhibition Test, in addition to a Beck Depression Inventory-Il, and a European Addiction Severity Index. Reported results confirm that in Cocaine-users, cognitive alterations on performance were evident when compared to their age, gender and education matched counterparts. A number of additional characteristics shaping the development and maintenance of the drug addiction in question were also established. Moreover, this work, succeeds in providing reliable data that could eventually facilitate the understanding of why cocaine users are more susceptible to relapse. Keywords: COCAINE ADDICTION, AETIOLOGY, ASSOCIATIVE LEARNING, KAMIN BLOCKING, LATENT INHIBITION, DOPAMINE HYPOTHESIS.