Dept of Clinical Psychology and Director, RINPAS, Kanke, Ranchi
Online published on 27 September, 2013.
Alcohol consumption has almost become a sign of civilized man in India. The number of users increases alarmingly in the country. It is easily available every where while the government policies become a scapegoat. Use or selling cannabis is considered as illegal and the offender could be punished but still it is a commonly sold in a hidden manner all over the country. The number of people misusing pharmacological medicine is also on rise as it has the advantage of not being detected by smell and easily available in open market and seller or buyer can not be caught or punished. The dark side of these drugs and drinks has often been reported by various studies from all over the world and especially their effect on brain. Aim of the present study was to assess the cognitive deficit among people who have developed dependence either on alcohol, cannabis or on pharmacological substances/injectable and also to see the difference among the groups. 90 male participants who's age range was on or between 20 and 50 years and diagnosed as dependent (as ICD-10 DCR) on either alcohol, cannabis or using pharmacological drug/injectable were selected. 30 subjects were included in each groups as Alcohol users cannabis users Pharmacological drug injectors and normal control for study. They were assessed then administered with Comprehensive Trial Making Test along with socio demographic sheet. The sample was mainly selected from three places in Ernakulam District, Kerala state of India. Result shows significant difference in the experimental groups in the area of their cognitive functioning in comparison to the normal control. Cannabis use was found more harmful in relation to the cognitive function of the user in comparison to alcohol and injecting drugs. However, the significant role of alcohol and injecting drugs also has been identified in their adverse effect on cognition.
