Background: Adolescence is a highly vulnerable age for experimenting with drugs; increasing evidence attests that
several substances might have detrimental effects on cognitive functioning in this developmental phase, when prefrontal
brain areas are still immature and may actually be the main target of the neurotoxic effects of drugs. There are still, in any
case, too few studies that specifically address early adulthood. Aim: The present study aims to investigate neuropsychological
performance in young drug addicts in residential treatment (aged 18-24). Methods: 41 young drug addicts, after
admission to residential treatment, were compared with 27 subjects in the control group. A battery of neuropsychological
tests (Brief Neuropsychological Exam-2) was administered to detect possible cognitive impairments. Descriptive and
non-parametric statistics (Pearson’s chi square test) were performed. Results and conclusions: Findings suggest that
drug dependence in youth is distinguished by neuropsychological deficits, in particular, attention and executive function
impairments – issues that now call for tailored and innovative treatment approaches