Chronic Substance Use and Cognitive Effects on the Brain An Introduction

Course overview

This introduction to chronic substance use and cognitive effects on the brain discusses ways in which chronic substance use may affect the brain, variables that can influence the effects, and some ways in which professionals can help clients who have substance-related cognitive impairments. This information is provided for health and human services practitioners who may encounter clients with cognitive deficits related to chronic substance use. Awareness of the potential cognitive effects of chronic substance use is important because these effects may make it more difficult for clients to engage in and benefit from health care and other services. Effects on executive functions may make these patients more vulnerable to relapse, and cognitive functioning problems affect the quality of life of clients, creating additional social problems. This course is based upon material published in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) In Brief series and is available as an open access article. This course on chronic substance use and cognitive effects on the brain is designed for social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors, who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of the cognitive effects of chronic substance use. The course material includes a review of the ways in which chronic substance use affects the brain, including the variables which may influence these effects. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require clinical continuing education courses for license renewal. Authors: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding the cognitive effects of chronic substance use. Specifically, a professional will: • Describe ways in which chronic substance use may affect the brain • Identify variables that can influence the effects • Recognize ways in which professionals can help clients who have substance-related cognitive impairments Citation: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2016). Chronic Substance Use and Cognitive Effects on the Brain: An Introduction. In Brief, Volume 9, Issue 1.