Six-year U of T study to focus on cognitive abilities and functioning following substance use
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Published: May 9, 2023
A team of 狐狸视频 researchers have launched a six-year study looking at the effect of addiction recovery on cognitive ability.
The research will be done in collaboration with the (CCFA) and involves studying whether thinking abilities return to normal after abstaining from various substance use, how long it takes, and whether rehabilitative strategies can help this process.
![Konstantine Zakzanis](/sites/default/files/2023-05/EMBEDKon-updated-headshot.jpeg)
Konstantine Zakzanis, a professor in the department of psychology at U of T Scarborough, will lead the project. He says the study is unique because it will follow participants as they enter treatment and follow them throughout their recovery.
鈥淲e鈥檙e going to be able to examine data at different points over a six-year span, which is a very novel approach,鈥 says Zakzanis, a licensed clinical neuropsychologist and psychologist whose research specializes in assessing traumatic brain injury, dementia, depression and substance use.
鈥淚f someone relapses, we can test to see if their cognition and their resultant functioning is acutely affected or if it鈥檚 more of a gradual process.鈥
He says the research will also examine how other variables such as personality type, socioeconomic status, age, sex, gender, as well as the linguistic and cultural group of the participants, might influence this relationship.
Zakzanis says existing research focuses on the adverse effects substance use has on thinking ability such as impaired memory, concentration and decision-making, but far less is known about how these abilities may or may not return to normal after people stop using drugs and/or alcohol over the long term.
鈥淲e really want to look at meaningful data points that are important to our participants 鈥 not just whether their concentration or memory has improved on a specific test employed within the study,鈥 he says. 鈥淲e want to know whether they are better able to function in daily life and hold down a job as a result of improved thinking abilities.鈥
The study, which is being supported by , a Canadian-based not-for-profit organization that helps fund research and development projects, will involve participants at inpatient treatment facilities across southern Ontario.
Seth Fletcher, a certified addictions counselor and general manager at CCFA, says the partnership with the university reflects CCFA鈥檚 commitment to medical training and research in better understanding addiction and healing.
鈥淧roviding rigorous research methodology regarding how an individual鈥檚 personal makeup contributes to their predilection for substance abuse 鈥 or eschewing it 鈥 helps addictions specialists create new and tailored services based on research,鈥 he says.
鈥淧articipating in this step forward in understanding addiction and treatment is ground-breaking and exciting for the CCFA.鈥