Journal of Alcoholism & Drug Dependence
Open Access

Abstract

Investigating Autobiographical Memory Impairments in Chronic Heavy Cannabis Users: Methodology and Hypotheses

Devin A, Schwan R, Laprevote V, Potheegadoo J and Montel S

Cannabis is the most consumed illicit substance in industrialized countries, and the French count among the highest users in Europe [1]. Chronic heavy cannabis use (CHCU) is usually associated with a deficit of executive functions [2] together with impaired working memory [3], and both these systems are involved in various memory processes, including autobiographical memory (AM) [4]. AM is defined as a set of personal general knowledge and memories of highly specific episodes that an individual accumulates throughout their life. AM is inherent to the construction of self and personal identity, and gives a sense of continuity of the self across time [5]. The model the most widely used to explain AM running is that of Conway and Pleydell-Pearce [6].