The usefulness of implicit measures for the screening, assessment and treatment of problematic alcohol use in individuals with mild to borderline intellectual disability

Abstract

Although the neuropsychological underpinnings of problematic alcohol use have been studied extensively, this research has not yet been generalised to individuals with mild to borderline intellectual disability (MBID). In this paper, we present the main findings of a research project aimed at studying the deficiencies in information processing associated with problematic alcohol use in problematic drinkers with and without MBID. The objectives were to develop and test indirect measures of cognitive biases and executive dysfunctioning of problematic drinkers with MBID and studying the extent and nature of the influence of IQ and executive control on these deficiencies. In addition to extending the fundamental knowledge about problematic alcohol use, the research findings provide practical implications that can be translated into the screening, assessment and treatment of problematic drinkers - both with and without MBID. Based on our results, we discourage the use of indirect, reaction time-based measures for cognitive biases for clinical purposes. The word association task, on the other hand, provides better opportunities, for example as a way to identify high-risk situations for alcohol use. With regard to cognitive and executive functioning, we advise practitioners to conduct a thorough assessment in an early phase of the treatment but withhold from incorporating neurocognitive treatment protocols in the treatment of problematic alcohol use.