Answer

It is usually possible to improve your memory, even after drug or alcohol abuse.

There are many techniques available to you, and these include chunking (breaking information down into easier pieces), mnemonics, viusualisation (linking words to an imagined situation – the Spanish word for ironmomgers is ferreteria, so you imagine a ferret running around in the shop. The Roman Room system and number and rhyme are also powerful technigues, and you can read all about them here:

http://www.academictips.org/memory/index.html

I note that you are particulary interested in language skills –please have a look at this site:

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTIM_10.htm

As far as books are concerned, I would recommend the following:

Memory: how we use it, lose it, and can improve it‎

by David Samuel - Science - 1999 - 128 pages

and

Learn to remember: practical techniques and exercises to improve your memory‎

by Dominic O'Brien - Psychology - 2000 - 160 pages

Expert:	NormanM
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
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Answered:	9/20/2009

Therapist

MNRHP, ADHP(NC), DEHP(NC), UKCP Reg, EAP. Qualified 2000 in private practice, newspaper contributor