La autorregulación emocional en la depresión y el deterioro cognitivo de consumidores de sustancias psicoactivas

Introduction. Drug abuse is a broadly studies topic within the psychology field because of the resulting effects at behavioral, emotional and cognitive levels. Given the bidirectionality in these relationships, it seems important to analyze the role of self-regulation of emotions in this cognitive impairment. Objectives. It is intended to explore the relationship of some psychological variables of self-regulation with the propensity to suffer depression and cognitive impairment in psychoactive substance users. Methodology. An intentional sample of 53 individuals participated in this study with ages ranging from 18 to 58 (84.9% men), recording years of consumption. All participants sought treatment for psychoactive substance use. A battery consisting of six tools that evaluated the level of cognitive impairment, depression, positivity, self-efficacy for emotional regulation, life satisfaction and helplessness as pessimism was administrated. Results. Participants showed a high level of cognitive impairment. Depression, age -of begin and age of problematic consumption, and the lack of ability to regulate positive emotions explain an important percentage of variance in the development of cognitive impairment. Conclusions. Intervention programs were proposed based on generating in self-efficacy to regulate positive and negative emotions in order to rehabilitate cognitive functions as well as interpersonal relationships and life satisfaction.