Executive function and problem solving relation sobriety time and drinking intesity in alcohol dependent man

Alcohol dependency is a disorder characterized by remissions and relapses. The target of the treatment is to get the remission and maintain the remission as possible. Cognitive behavioral modalities stand in the forefront in the treatment modalities. It was reported that cognitive defecits were in alcohol dependency. It?s thought that the deficits cognitive function is the factor which complicates the treatment. The aim of this study is comparing the executive function and problem solving functions which are the main cognitive functions in alcohol dependency between long time and short time sobriety patients and examining the clinical factors affecting the disruption of long time sobriety and executive function. To this end 32 long time and 24 short time sober patients were included in study. Stroop and Hanoi Tower tests and inventory of problem solving were administered. In conclusion there was no statistically significant difference between long time and short time sober patients in executive function. Long time sober patients showed more planned and concerned problem solving approach then short time sober patients. Generally alcohol dependency patients use avoidance problem solving approach. There was not any correlation between executive function and cumulative drinking, duration of sobriety, educational status, age, alcohol dependency in family, duration of illness, amount of daily drinking, and amount of hospitalization. There was a reverse correlation between total duration of Hanoi Tower test and the interval between beginning to drink regularly and realizing that alcohol was a problem.