Cognition is Closely Linked With Substance Abuse and Detox
Addiction is closely intertwined with cognition, with multiple factors—such as drug effects, withdrawal effects, and probability of relapse—linked with cognitive capacity. It is crucial for rehab specialists to consider cognition.
A baseline cognitive assessment can identify deficits related to substance abuse, help identify patients that need the most attention, and guide choice in treatment programs. Follow-up assessments during treatment may highlight improvements, measure the effects of withdrawal, and provide information about the risk for relapse. Finally, Creyos Health cognitive assessments can be sent by email as part of a telemedicine program, making them ideal for post-treatment follow up or outpatient programs, demonstrating to patients that treatment programs are having measurable effects on their brain health and improving their ability to engage in the cognitive tasks that affect quality of life.
Overall, the APA proposes that cognition is central to drug addiction.
Every patient is different, so it is important to measure a patient’s brain health at several points during a treatment program. Creyos Health assesses 12 core areas of cognition, and has built-in questionnaires to assess depression, anxiety, and ADHD, identifying the specific deficits and strengths for a patient, and measuring how they change as a result of treatment.