title: 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. 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Education, University Central Florida College of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: Marcia L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Verduin
authors.forename: Steven D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: LaRowe
authors.forename: Hugh
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Myrick
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cannon-Bowers
authors.forename: Clint
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bowers
mesh_terms: D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*; D018910:Video Games / Q000523:psychology