THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL AND CANNABIS ONabsttract

Clinical evidence observed that the long-term use of cannabis may lead to cognitive impairment in the higher cognitive functions. Additionally, research has revealed the presence of neurocognitive deficits in chronic heavy alcohol users. The present study aimed to compare the deficit in executive function and memory in patients with alcohol and cannabis dependence syndrome. Method: The present study is a cross-sectional design conducted at Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary (SGT) Hospital, Gurugram, Haryana. 30 patients with alcohol dependence and another 30 patients with cannabis dependence were selected using the purposive sampling method. To measure memory and executive function, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the Stroop Colour Word Test, and the PGI Memory Scale were administered to all 60 participants. Results: There is a significant difference in attention and concentration, non-perseverative errors and percent non-perseverative errors and Stroop word between cannabis and alcohol dependence patients. Conclusion: The present study confirms the pivotal role of executive function deficit in patients with alcohol and cannabis dependence syndrome.