The aim of this study was to assess the presence of neuropsychological
alterations in 50 patients addicted to cocaine, compared to a control group of 22 people from the normal population, balanced in age, sex and years of education. We applied an assessment protocol comprising tasks sensitive to the detection of alterations in different components of the executive functions. The results ruled out the presence of a generalized
neuropsychological deficit in the population of cocaine addicts, and indicated more specific neuropsychological alterations. In particular, the clinical group performed more poorly in tasks related to information processing and to response inhibition, and showed a tendency for less mental flexibility. Moreover, concomitant alcohol abuse interfered with functions of information processing and recovery.