Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured group psychotherapy program integrating cognitive training (CT) and goal management training (GMT) across neuropsychological, coping and behavioural levels in patients with substance use disorder (SUD) under deferred prosecution.
Methods
Utilizing a pre–post design, this study analysed data from 35 patients under deferred prosecution who were enrolled in a compulsory addiction treatment programme consisting of 10-session group psychotherapy incorporating CT and GMT. Patients were primarily addicted to heroin, methamphetamine or cannabis. Neuropsychological assessments were conducted before and after the intervention, including the Stroop Colour-Word Test (SCWT) to assess inhibition, the Tower of London-DX (ToL-DX) to assess planning and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) to assess cognitive flexibility. Additionally, participants completed the Daily Executive Behaviours Scale and substance use was tracked via urine tests.
Results
Significant improvements were observed in the SCWT colour-word score (t = −2.78, p = .009, r
t
= 0.43), ToL-DX execution time (t = 2.40, p = .02, r
t
= 0.38) and rule violation metrics (Z = −3.34, p < .001, r
z
= 0.57), as well as WCST perseverative errors (Z = −3.00, p = .003, r
z
= 0.51); however, no significant changes were found in self-reported assessments or urine tests.
Conclusions
The combined CT and GMT intervention significantly improved cognitive functions, although it did not lead to a notable reduction in substance use. This approach was associated with measurable improvements in executive functions, while highlighting the limits of short-term cognitive enhancement in altering substance use behaviour.