Possibilities of cognitive rehabilitation in patients with addictive behavior
Authors:
Aneta Votavová; Lenka Šťastná
Authors‘ workplace:
Klinika adiktologie 1. LF UK a VFN v Praze
Published in:
Čes. a slov. Psychiat., 121, 2025, No. 3, pp. 120-128.
Category:
Review
doi:
https://doi.org/10.48095/cccsp202509
Overview
This article explores the possibilities of cognitive rehabilitation for patients with addictive behaviors and its impact on improving cognitive functions impaired by chronic use of psychoactive substances. Cognitive deficits, such as reduced attention, impaired working memory, limited cognitive flexibility, and disrupted executive functions, are common challenges in this target population. These deficits not only diminish patients‘ quality of life, but also complicate treatment processes and increase the risk of relapse. The article provides an overview of the effects of specific substances, including alcohol, opioids, cannabis, ketamine, and methamphetamine, on cognitive functions, highlighting individual differences in the extent of damage depending on the duration of use, dosage, and genetic predispositions. Furthermore, the article describes various approaches to cognitive rehabilitation, including individual and group programs, computer-based applications, and virtual reality training. These approaches focus on enhancing key cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. Particular attention is given to practical aspects of implementing these programs, including diagnostics, timing of interventions, and adapting methods to meet the individual needs of patients. The article also emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving collaboration between addiction specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other professionals. The text includes an analysis of challenges such as low patient motivation, relapse risk, comorbidities, and variability in cognitive deficits that can affect the success of rehabilitation. The article underscores the necessity of regular progress evaluation, the use of appropriate diagnostic tools, and the establishment of conditions for the long-term sustainability of achieved results. In conclusion, the article presents recommendations for clinical practice on effectively integrating cognitive rehabilitation into standard therapeutic procedures to improve treatment outcomes and the patients‘ quality of life. The article may serve as inspiration for clinical practitioners who wish to incorporate elements of cognitive rehabilitation into their practice to support the improvement of cognitive functions and overall treatment efficiency in patients with addictive behaviors.
Keywords:
addiction – cognitive function – addictology – cognitive rehabilitation program – impairment of cognition
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Mgr. Aneta Votavová
Klinika adiktologie
1. LF UK a VFN v Praze
e-mail: aneta.votavova@lf1.cuni.cz
Labels
Addictology Paediatric psychiatry PsychiatryArticle was published in
Czech and Slovak Psychiatry
2025 Issue 3
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