Computer simulation games as an adjunct for treatment in male veterans with alcohol use disorder

Abstract This study examined the impact of a computer simulation designed to provide the opportunity for individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) to practice relapse prevention skills. Participants were 41 male veterans enrolled in an intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment program. Part...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of substance abuse treatment 2013-04, Vol.44 (3), p.316-322
Main Authors: Verduin, Marcia L., M.D, LaRowe, Steven D., Ph.D, Myrick, Hugh, M.D, Cannon-Bowers, Jan, Ph.D, Bowers, Clint, Ph.D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alcohol Drinking - epidemiology
Alcohol Drinking - psychology
Alcohol related disorders
Alcohol use
Alcohol use disorders
Alcoholism - psychology
Alcoholism - therapy
Biological and medical sciences
Computer & video games
Computer simulation
Computers
Desintoxication. Drug withdrawal
Game simulation
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Miscellaneous
Obsessive-Compulsive neuroses
Prevention
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Public health. Hygiene
Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine
Relapse
Relapse prevention
Secondary Prevention
Self Efficacy
Simulation
Substance abuse treatment
Substance Abuse Treatment Centers - methods
Surveys and Questionnaires
Treatment Outcome
Treatments
United States
Veterans
Veterans - psychology
Video Games - psychology
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Summary:Abstract This study examined the impact of a computer simulation designed to provide the opportunity for individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) to practice relapse prevention skills. Participants were 41 male veterans enrolled in an intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment program. Participants were randomly assigned to either view educational slides about treatment for AUD or play a simulation videogame for eight sessions within 12 weeks. Participants were assessed at a 4-week follow-up visit. Outcome measures included relapse rates as well as ratings on the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) and a custom-designed relapse prevention self efficacy scale. While rates of relapse did not differ between groups, those who played the game showed overall reductions in ratings on the OCDS, as well as higher ratings of self-efficacy at week 8, suggesting that the videogame simulation may be a useful adjunct to AUD treatment.
ISSN:0740-5472
1873-6483
DOI:10.1016/j.jsat.2012.08.006