Impulsive behavior in drug addiction: Clinical, cognitive, and neural correlates

In this chapter, we review several studies showing different forms of impulsive behaviors in individuals with alcohol and drug use disorders. Initially, we discuss the clinical definitions of impulsivity. Following that, we discuss the clinical concepts of functional and dysfunctional impulsivity and relate these to drug use disorders. We further explain the relationship between impulsivity and cognitive distortions in relation to drug use disorders. Based on the above, we will also discuss studies that address the treatment of impulsivity in individuals with alcohol and drug use disorders. We review several studies discussing different forms of impulsive behaviors in individuals with alcohol and drug use disorders. Impulsivity is broadly defined as a predilection towards unplanned actions without regard for the possible negative consequences. People with high impulsivity often choose small immediate rewards over larger delayed rewards. Though impulsivity can have functional uses, dysfunctional impulsivity is associated with many psychopathies, and heightens the intensity of addictions and compulsive behaviors. High impulsivity is a factor in drug use disorders because users often struggle to resist the immediate reward that the substances present, and long-term use can further increase impulsivity, putting them at a high risk of relapse. As with many other psychiatric conditions, cognitive distortions play a role in impulsive behavior. In this chapter, we also discuss how cognitive behavioral interventions have been shown to reduce impulsive behaviors in populations with pathological gambling, and studies show that these interventions could also be effective in preventing relapse among substance abusers.