Preliminary evaluation of a model of stimulant use, oxidative damage and executive dysfunction

Background: Illicit stimulant use increases oxidative stress and oxidative stress has been found to be associated with deficits in memory, attention and problem-solving. Objective: To test a model of the association among oxidative DNA damage, a severe form of oxidative stress, and stimulant use, executive function and stimulant-use outcomes. Methods: Six sites evaluating 12-step facilitation for stimulant abusers obtained peripheral blood samples from methamphetamine-dependent (n=45) and cocaine-dependent (n=120) participants. The blood samples were submitted to a comet assay to assess oxidative DNA damage. Executive Dysfunction was assessed with the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe), which is a reliable and valid self-report assessment of executive dysfunction, disinhibition and apathy. Stimulant-use measures included self-reported stimulant use and stimulant urine drug screens (UDS). Results: While more recent cocaine use (