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Semantic priming and verbal learning in current opiate users, ex-users and non-user controls
Battistella, Stefania Constantinou, Natasha Morgan, Celia J. A. Davis, Paul O'Ryan, Dominic Curran, H. Valerie
Battistella, Stefania
Constantinou, Natasha
Morgan, Celia J. A.
Davis, Paul
O'Ryan, Dominic
Curran, H. Valerie
Abstract
Objective: Despite a growing interest in memory functions of chronic drug users, investigation of semantic and episodic memory in opiate users is limited, and findings of studies have been inconsistent. The present study aimed to assess semantic memory and episodic memory for both drug-related and neutral stimuli in current and ex-users of opiates. Methods: Using an independent group design, we assessed semantic priming and verbal learning in 16 current opiate users on a methadone maintenance programme, 16 ex-opiate users in rehabilitation programmes and 16 healthy controls. The groups were matched on verbal IQ, age and employment status. Results: We found that current and ex-users showed intact automatic and controlled semantic priming. Ex-users who had been abstinent for an average of 19 months showed a verbal learning impairment compared with controls. Both current and ex-users were impaired in recalling semantically unrelated words but unimpaired in recalling semantically related words. Conclusion: The findings suggest a relative lack of spontaneous use of mnemonic strategies and imply that highly structured information would help opiate-using clients in treatment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keywords
opiate, drug use, semantic priming, verbal learning, cognitive bias, cognitive deficit
Date
2012
Type
Journal article
Journal
Human Psychopharmacology
Book
Volume
27
Issue
5
Page Range
499-506
Article Number
ACU Department
Relation URI
DOI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled