Exploring the interplay between addiction and time perception: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Prior studies have investigated the immediate impacts of substances on temporal perception, the impact of temporal outlook, and the consequences of modified temporal perception on addictive behaviors. These inquiries have provided valuable perspectives on the intricate associations between addiction and time perception, enriching the groundwork for forthcoming research and therapeutic strategies. This comprehensive review aims to further explore intricate correlation among diverse addictive substances—namely alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, opioids—and non-substance addictions such as internet gaming, elucidating their influence on temporal perception. Adhering to the PICOS method and adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed and critically evaluated all existing research concerning temporal perception in individuals with substance and non-substance use disorders. Specifically, our analyses involved 31 pertinent articles encompassing six unique groups—alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, stimulants, opioids, and internet-related addictions—sourced from a pool of 551 papers. The findings revealed differences in time perception between addicts and control groups, as indicated by medium to large effect sizes (Hedge's g = 0.8, p < 0.001). However, the nature of these differences—whether they predominantly involve time overestimation or underestimation—is not yet definitively clear. This variability underscores the complexity of the relationship between addiction and temporal perception, paving the way for further research to unravel these intricate dynamics.