Recreational Substance Use is Linked to Deficits in Recall, but Not Recognition Memory

Abstract

This study assessed various memory processes (i.e., free recall, cued recall, item recognition, and source recognition) in individuals with and without a history of recreational substance use to identify which aspects of memory are more vulnerable to substance use.The sample consisted of 100 subjects: 47 non-users (27 females, age range from 18 to 50+) and 53 drug users (21 females, age range from 18 to 50+). Participants completed self-report questionnaires and lab-based memory tasks, including the California Verbal Learning Test, the Source Memory, the False Memoy and the Verbal Paired Associates tests