PURPOSE: To recollect autobiographical memory of adolescent drug users by means of language. METHODS: Twenty five male adolescents, alcohol/drugs users and 25 nonusers, with ages between 13 and 17 years, took part on this study. After collection of the verbal speech sample, the analysis was carried out based on the model that determines the discursive structure in setting, complication, internal answer, attempt, consequence and reaction. RESULTS: The group of users produced less attempt (p=0,010), consequence (p = 0,030) and reaction (p = 0,023), indicating different language profiles between the groups. CONCLUSION: The autobiographical memory profile of adolescent drug users was different from that of non users. This result can be related to the cognitive and/or linguistic functioning deficit, as well as to damage on social and psychic aspects, causing interruptions in the sequence of recollections.
Memory; Language; Neuropsychology; Transtornos relacionados ao uso de substâncias; Adolescent
