Recreational substance use is linked with difficulty in recalling personal experiences

Abstract

Abstract Recreational use of substances such as cannabis, MDMA and cocaine is thought to harm the neurotransmitter communication networks that coordinate many memory processes that support autobiographical memory (AM). Research on the impact of substance use on AM is limited and primarily focused on cannabis use or individuals with substance dependence. Additionally, previous studies mainly examined broad AM characteristics (e.g., specific vs. non-specific memories) without exploring the specific characteristics of recalled memories. In the present study, the possible consequences of recreational substance use on AM were investigated to provide a better understanding of the specific aspects of AM that are most vulnerable to substance use. The study included 100 participants aged 18–55, consisting of 47 individuals who did not use substances and 53 individuals who reported substance use. All participants completed self-report questionnaires and participated in a lab-based autobiographical memory test. The results revealed that participants who reported recreational substance use recalled significantly fewer specific personal event memories than participants who did not use substances and were also more likely to omit a response within the time limit. The results remained significant after controlling for covariates, such as general health, sleep routine, alcohol use and age. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on substance-related impairments in AM and suggests that even occasional recreational substance use may impair specific AM retrieval.