Addressing Mild To Moderate Memory Impairment Among Young Adults (18-44 Years Old) With Alcohol Use Disorder And Dependence Through Restorative Rehabilitation Combined With Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Medical Detoxification Treatment: Integrative Review

Neurocognitive impairment especially mild to moderate stage of cognitive impairment (MCI) has been observed to be prevalent among young adults (18-44 years old) seeking treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Neurocognitive testing reveals memory impairment in key components of cognition such as attention, memory, language, reaction time and perception in varying degrees and severity among those with AUDs. Research has verified that alcohol can actually predispose individuals to what is known as alcohol related brain damage (ARBD) or alcohol related cognitive impairment (ARCI) as related to cognitive (memory) impairment. This state of brain damage often impedes treatment outcome due to poor insight to cognitive deficits, treatment non-adherence and the slower nature of its course of onset, which predisposes clients to higher rates of relapse. The primary objective of this integrative review was to identify the most effective way to improve mild to moderate memory impairment encountered among the young adult population (18-44 years old) with AUD that desired treatment. Currently with the new generation of research that aims at facilitating treatment process as well as improves treatment outcomes, this study draws strength from reviewing past literature on the applicability of implementing restorative rehabilitation in combination with comprehensive, evidence-based medical detoxification as a form of treatment for this group of people. The study equally examines the effect of the combined therapy as it translates into holistic evidence-based practice