Stimulant Abuser Groups to Engage in 12-Step (STAGE-12): Ancillary Investigation Theresa Winhusen, Ph.D. Eugene Somoza, M.D. Lead Investigators University of Cincinnati/CinARC 3210 Jefferson Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45220 winhusen@mdru.uc.edu somoza@uc.edu

This CTN-funded ancillary study is related to CTN-0031, "Stimulant Abusers Group to Engage in 12-Step (STAGE-12)."

Previous research has found significant neurocognitive deficits in both methamphetamine (METH) and cocaine abusers, and it has been suggested that these deficits have important implications for treatment outcome in these populations. There is evidence to suggest that the neurotoxic deficits of METH/cocaine are the result of oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between free radical production and antioxidant defense. It has therefore been suggested that neurocognitive deficits observed in METH/cocaine-abusing individuals may be the consequence of oxidative stress, with oxidative damage, a consequence of severe oxidative stress in which there is damage to cellular components, being of particular interest.

CTN-0031a will evaluate the relationships among neurocognitive functioning (as assessed by various measures of executive function), oxidative damage (including DNA, lipid, and protein damage) and substance abuse treatment outcomes (including treatment completion and stimulant use reduction). Approximately 164 patients will participate in CTN-0031a, each completing a research visit in which neurocognitive testing is performed and a blood sample is obtained for the assessment of oxidative damage. A similar blood sample will also be obtained from approximately 30 normal comparison participants recruited at a single site.

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