Drug abusers experience deterioration in brain activity, research shows

By Staff Writer

A new study reveals that individuals who abuse drugs cannot identify basic emotions in others as well as non-using peers.

The research, which was conducted by University of Granada scientists, administered nueropsychological tests to 123 polysubstance abusers and 67 non-drug users. Both groups had similar social and demographical variables. The scientists found that individuals who abuse multiple types of drugs have trouble recognizing emotions - happiness, surprise, fear and sadness - on other humans based on their facial expressions.

Furthermore, the researchers discovered that the consumption of alcohol, marijuana and cocaine negatively affect abusers' fluency and decision-making. Use of cannabis and cocaine can inhibit people's work memory and reasoning, the study's authors added.

Overall, the tests revealed that 70 percent of drug abusers exhibited some type of neuropsychological deterioration, regardless of the types of substances that were consumed. Signs of deterioration were recognized as problems associated with working memory, fluency, planning, multi-tasking and recognition of emotions.

Problem teens who abuse alcohol and drugs may benefit from wilderness therapy programs, which are designed to promote healthy decision-making.