Patients with cognitive deficits and substance use disorders, a clinical population in need of focused attention

Abstract

Through multidisciplinary research efforts, our understanding of substance use disorders (SUDs) is ever increasing. In a recent review by Volkow and Blanko, the importance of addressing the needs of special populations in SUD-research was emphasized (1). These populations warrant special attention in both clinical settings and future research. This focus is welcomed and highlights the move toward more individualized, tailored, and personalized treatment approaches (2). A personalized treatment approach for SUDs depends on detailed knowledge of how biological, psychological, and social factors impact the severity, trajectory, and recovery of SUDs (3–5). Thus, targeted efforts are needed to enable personalized treatment approaches for SUD populations with distinct clinical needs (5). Indeed, these groups often experience adverse clinical outcomes and respond less to preventative strategies, which underscores the importance of future research efforts in this area.