Introduction The Cognitive Disabilities Model (CDM) is an occupational approach that can allow the classification of the functional-cognitive abilities of persons with addictions. The objective of the study was to explore the applicability of the ACLS-5 to assess a sample of persons undergoing addiction-rehabilitation treatment. Methods A sample of 232 participants was recruited from an outpatient treatment centre in Madrid (Spain). The ACLS-5, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Prefrontal Symptom Inventory (PSI) were administered. Sociodemographic and addiction-related data were also obtained. Results Half of the sample showed serious deficits in functional cognition, which ultimately could be related to problems in their daily performance. Scores of ACLS-5 showed significant correlations with the severity of addiction, with those obtained with the MoCA, and with attentional symptoms on the PSI scale. Conclusions The data suggest the applicability of the ACLS-5 in assessing the degree of functional cognition in subjects treated for addiction, providing evidence to support ecological validity and facilitating the development of well-targeted cognitive rehabilitation programmes from an occupational perspective. The use of occupational-based instruments to assess the functioning of those with addictions is a requirement of occupational therapy professionals working in this general area.
Keywords: Cognitive performance; ecological validity; functional cognition; occupational assessment; substance addiction; treatment.