Introduction: Cognitive effects caused by cocaine and crack consumption, especially deficits in executive functions may increase the likelihood of drug-seeking behaviour and interfere with the ability of users to assimilate and participate in rehabilitation programs.

Aim: To determine in early abstinence the state of executive functions, the impulsiveness and craving in cocaine and crack consumers.

Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study functions, with a sample of 60 male aged between 31.38 ± 7.26 years old, distributed in three groups: inhaled cocaine users (CDP-I; n = 15), with 23.13 ± 7.2 age of onset of consumption; crack cocaine users (CDP-C; n = 26), with 20.81 ± 4.21 age of onset of consumption, and a control groups of no-addiction individuals (n = 19). Sociodemographic, clinical and cognitive assessments were applied.

Results: The data showed that significant differences in socioeconomic level score and impulsiveness. Consumer groups have with lower scores with respect the control group. CDP-C group showed poor performances compared to the CDP-I and control groups, in the Berg Test, Tower of London, numbers in the direct order and subtraction. CDP-I group showed less score in planning compare with the other two groups.

Conclusions: In early abstinence crack users manifest a greater number of deficits, mainly in working memory, planning and cognitive flexibility.