In a national collaborative study to assess the neuropsychological
status of 151 polydrug users, the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological
Battery showed deficits in 37% two to three weeks after they entered
treatment and in 34% at three-month follow-up. Comparative rates for a
group of psychiatric patients were 26% and 27%, and for nonpatients, 8% and
4%. Extensive and intensive use of CNS depressants and opiates correlated
positively with neuropsychological deficit. Older, less- educated subjects
with adverse medical or developmental histories were more likely to show
polydrug-related organic impairment. Although there is some evidence that
such impairment is reversible, the condition appears to be of at least
intermediate duration and may be long lasting.
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