Computer simulation games as an adjunct for treatment in male veterans with alcohol use disorder
Open accessAbstract
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.
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One study used a serious game that was goal-oriented only.
“One study used a serious game that was goal-oriented only (62).”
From Serious Games for Mental Health: Are They Accessible, Feasible, and Effective? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (2017) · cites this paper as [62]
Eight studies used serious games that were designed as such, and two studies used an existing entertainment game for a serious purpose (purpose-shifted).
“Eight studies used serious games that were designed as such (34, 35, 58–63). Two studies used an existing entertainment game for a serious purpose (purpose-shifted) (48, 64).”
From Serious Games for Mental Health: Are They Accessible, Feasible, and Effective? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (2017) · cites this paper as [62]
The study of Verduin et al. on AUD did not provide amenable data for inclusion in the meta-analysis and is therefore excluded.
“The study of Verduin et al. (62) on AUD did not provide amenable data for inclusion in the meta-analysis and is therefore excluded (Table 3).”
From Serious Games for Mental Health: Are They Accessible, Feasible, and Effective? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (2017) · cites this paper as [62]
Five studies reported adequate random sequence generation.
“Five studies reported adequate random sequence generation (34, 59, 60, 62, 63).”
From Serious Games for Mental Health: Are They Accessible, Feasible, and Effective? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (2017) · cites this paper as [62]
AUD was targeted in one study.
“AUD was targeted in one study (62).”
From Serious Games for Mental Health: Are They Accessible, Feasible, and Effective? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (2017) · cites this paper as [62]
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- Authors
- Verduin, M. L., LaRowe, S. D., Myrick, H., Cannon-Bowers, J., & Bowers, C.
- Affiliations
- University of Central Florida (US)
- Medical University of South Carolina (US)
- Corresponding author
- LaRowe, Steven D.
- Venue
- Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2013-03
- Volume
- 44
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 316-322
- ISSN
- 0740-5472 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1978540935
- Cited by
- 38
- References
- 30
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 2
- FWCI
- 1.67
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- University of Central Florida
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Educational Games and Gamification
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Gambling Behavior and Treatments
- Keywords
- computer simulation games, alcoholism, veterans, relapse prevention, self-efficacy, Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale, intensive outpatient treatment, adjunct treatment
- MeSH terms
- Alcohol Drinking, Alcoholism, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Surveys and Questionnaires, United States, Veterans, Substance Abuse Treatment Centers, Treatment Outcome, Video Games, Self Efficacy, Secondary Prevention
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