Effect of Abstinence on Memory Functions in Cannabis Users

By : Radhey Shyam, Sushma Rathee

Page No: 443-451

Abstract
The cannabis use is reported to be having several adverse psychosocial consequences affecting the personal and social life of the users. It has also been reported to have an adverse effect on cognitive functioning including executive functions. The abstinence may have beneficial effects and the adverse effects may subside. Therefore the present study was planned to examine the effect of abstinence on memory functions in cannabis users. A sample of 180 cannabis users (90 persistent cannabis users, and 90 abstainers) was selected on the basis of convenient based sampling from Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. All the users were in the age range of 18-40 years with a mean age of 29.74 years. For the fulfillment of the purpose of the study a battery of five subtests were administered. The tests were digit span test, number-letter sequencing, and arithmetic for working memory index, Memory scale from the AIIMS battery for verbal memory, and Rey Ossterith Complex Figure Test for visual memory. The data were analyzed using t-test and descriptive analysis (Mean & SD). Results revealed that abstainers differ from persistent cannabis users on all aspects of memory functions, i.e.verbal memory, visual immediate and visual delayed memory, and working memory. The findings are discussed in the light of their implications.

Authors :
Sushma Rathee : Research Scholar — Department of Psychology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
Radhey Shyam : Professor of Psychology — Department of Psychology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPR.2018.13.02.19