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The Role of Executive Cognitive Functions in Changing Substance Use: What We Know and What We Need to Know

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Background

Executive cognitive functions (ECF) have been linked to skills such as planning, organizing, problem solving, decision-making, initiating and self-regulating behavior, working memory, and motivation; critical activities needed to monitor and change substance use behavior.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how ECF may impact important variables associated with changing substance use behavior.

Methods

This study is a critical review of the extant literature about how ECF may influence substance abuse treatment outcomes and behavior change.

Results

A review of the literature found evidence that poorer ECF likely hinders substance use behavior change and is often associated with behavior labeled as denial. However, the relationship between ECF and substance abuse appears to be highly complex.

Conclusions

Traditional methods of substance abuse assessment, interpretation of behavior, and intervention may need to be reconsidered in light of new research about executive cognitive dysfunction. Implications for future research are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28823-0001, USA

    Arthur W. Blume Ph.D.

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    G. Alan Marlatt Ph.D.

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  1. Arthur W. Blume Ph.D.
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  2. G. Alan Marlatt Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Arthur W. Blume Ph.D..

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Blume, A.W., Alan Marlatt, G. The Role of Executive Cognitive Functions in Changing Substance Use: What We Know and What We Need to Know. ann. behav. med. 37, 117–125 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-009-9093-8

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