Study on the correlation between cognitive function and craving in methamphetamine addicts

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of cognitive function in methamphetamine addicts, and explore its relationship with craving.

MethodsSeventy-two male methamphetamine addicts from a compulsory isolated detoxification center in Anhui Province and sixty male residents from a community were divided into the MA group and control group, respectively.The cognitive function and craving in two groups were measured using general situation questionnaire and Montreal cognitive assessment scale(MoCA).The craving in MA group was evaluated using visual analogue scale, and the correlation of cognitive function with craving in MA group was analyzed.

ResultsThe visual space score, attention score, language score, abstraction score and delayed recall score, and total score of MoCA in MA group were significantly lower than those in control group(P < 0.01), and the differences of the scores of naming and orientation factors between two groups were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The correlation analysis results showed that the attention score, delayed recall score, and total score of MoCA in MA group were negatively correlated with craving(P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), and there was not significant correlation between visual space, naming, language, abstraction and orientation, and craving(P>0.05).

ConclusionsThere is extensive cognitive impairment in methamphetamine addicts.Cognitive function is correlated with craving, and can predict the degree of craving, which can provide a theoretical basis for reducing craving and relapse by improving cognitive function.