research on addiction

Objective: The aim of current study was to compare the visual memory functions among heroin dependents and normal individuals. Method: The method of current research was causative-comparative carried out on two groups of heroin dependents and normal individuals. Statistical population of the research was people with heroin dependents that from March 2013 to September 2013 that referred to Drug Addiction Treatment Centers of Gonabad city. Finally, 30 patients with heroin dependents selected with convenience sampling. The comparison group consisted of 30 normal individuals who were selected from among the relatives of patients with heroin dependents and were matched in terms of age, gender and education with group of patients with heroin dependence. To collect data was used from Rey-Sterrieth Complex Figure. Data analyzed through SPSS v.16 software using multivariate analysis. Results: The results of the current study showed individuals with heroin dependents had more difficulties in visual memory and gained lower scores in all three stages performances compared to the normal group. Conclusion: Chronic use of heroin is associated with cognitive defects and damage on visual memory. Therefore, rehabilitation programs that are considered to improve the conditions and treatment of addicts, it is necessary to be noted to these types of deficits and to formulate programs for reduce it.