Meth abusers may be able to regain normal brain functioning after a sustained period of drug abuse; however, this process requires significant time. A new study from researchers at the University of California at Davis shows that it takes at least a year for former meth abusers to regain normal levels of impulse control, and that regaining other brain functions may take even longer.

Ruth Salo, author of the study and a UC Davis assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, commented on the findings and related implications for substance abuse treatment programs:

"Recovery from meth abuse does not happen overnight. It may take a year -- or even longer -- for cognitive processes such as impulse control and attentional focus to improve. Treatment programs need to consider this when monitoring recovering addicts' progress during their early periods of abstinence. I can confidently tell patients that the longer they stay in a structured rehabilitation program and remain drug free, the more likely it is that they will recover some important brain functions."

Ms. Salo and associates used a computer-based attention test to track the cognitive control abilities of 65 recovering meth abusers. Study participants had abstained from meth use for at least three weeks and not more than 10 years, and they had used the drug from 24 months to 28 years. Test results were compared to test results from 33 participants who had never used meth.

(Source: www.scientistslive.com)

Labels: brain_chemistry, drug-abuse, methamphetamines