Prevalence of cognitive impairment in Moroccan patients with substance use disorder

Background Alcohol and cannabis use disorders are often linked to cognitive impairments, particularly in memory, attention, and executive functions. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and cognitive profiles of individuals with alcohol and/or cannabis use disorders attending addiction treatment centers in Morocco.Methods From January 2023 to January 2024, participants were assessed using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic data and cognitive screening via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), including the Memory Index Score (MIS) and Attention Index Score (AIS).Results Median MoCA scores were 19 for cannabis users, 20 for alcohol users, and 19 for individuals with both disorders. Cognitive impairment severity differed significantly across groups (p < 0.05), with severe deficits more common in those with co-occurring use, and moderate to mild impairments more frequent in cannabis users. MIS and AIS did not vary significantly between groups. Cognitive performance was significantly associated with education level (p < 0.001) and place of residence (p < 0.05).Conclusion The study highlights a high prevalence of cognitive impairment among individuals with substance use disorders in Morocco, supporting the need for routine cognitive screening in addiction treatment programs.