Neuropsychological assessment in addiction: A clinical guideline

Abstract

The aim of this article is to provide rommendations for neuropsychological assessment in the con­text of addiction treatment. I propose key basic guidelines to conduct neuropsychological as­sessment in two contexts: (1) profiling of cognitive sequela as­sociated  with substance use; (2) prediction of treat­ment otcomes, in terms of retention and ad­herence to addiction treatment, and risk of relapse. I also discuss novel therapeutic approaches spurred by a neuropsychological understanding of substance use disorders. These recommendations are aimed to fos­ter the transition between neuroscientific discovery and clinical translation, by providing basic guidelines to incorporate neuropsychological tools in clinical practice with addicted clients.