Virtual Therapy for Smokers
- 10.28.2009
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Smokers who crushed computer-simulated cigarettes as part of a psychosocial treatment program in a virtual reality environment had significantly reduced nicotine dependence and higher rates of tobacco abstinence than smokers participating in the same program who grasped a computer-simulated ball, according to a study described in the current issue of CyberPsychology and Behavior.
The study randomly assigned 91 smokers enrolled in a 12-week anti-smoking support program to one of two treatment groups. In a computer-generated virtual reality environment, one group simulated crushing virtual cigarettes, while the other group grasped virtual balls during 4 weekly sessions.
The findings demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in nicotine addiction among the smokers in the cigarette-crushing group versus those in the ball-grasping group. Also, at week 12 of the program, the smoking abstinence rate was significantly higher for the cigarette-crushing group (15%) compared to the ball-grasping group (2%).
Other notable findings include the following: smokers who crushed virtual cigarettes tended to stay in the treatment program longer (average time to drop-out > 8 weeks) than the ball-grasping group (< 6 weeks). At the 6-month follow-up, 39% of the cigarette crushers reported not smoking during the previous week, compared to 20% of the ball graspers.
"It is important to note that this study increased treatment retention. All too often individuals drop out of treatment prior to completion. It will be interesting now to go further and compare this to other popular treatments such as the nicotine patch," says Brenda K. Wiederhold, PhD, MBA, BCIA, Editor-in-Chief of CyberPsychology and Behavior, from the Interactive Media Institute, San Diego, CA.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027161539.htm
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The study randomly assigned 91 smokers enrolled in a 12-week anti-smoking support program to one of two treatment groups. In a computer-generated virtual reality environment, one group simulated crushing virtual cigarettes, while the other group grasped virtual balls during 4 weekly sessions.
The findings demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in nicotine addiction among the smokers in the cigarette-crushing group versus those in the ball-grasping group. Also, at week 12 of the program, the smoking abstinence rate was significantly higher for the cigarette-crushing group (15%) compared to the ball-grasping group (2%).
Other notable findings include the following: smokers who crushed virtual cigarettes tended to stay in the treatment program longer (average time to drop-out > 8 weeks) than the ball-grasping group (< 6 weeks). At the 6-month follow-up, 39% of the cigarette crushers reported not smoking during the previous week, compared to 20% of the ball graspers.
"It is important to note that this study increased treatment retention. All too often individuals drop out of treatment prior to completion. It will be interesting now to go further and compare this to other popular treatments such as the nicotine patch," says Brenda K. Wiederhold, PhD, MBA, BCIA, Editor-in-Chief of CyberPsychology and Behavior, from the Interactive Media Institute, San Diego, CA.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027161539.htm
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Vaccines for Drug Addiction
- 10.14.2009
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Vaccines to aid recovering nicotine, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines addicts may be on the horizon.
The vaccines do not prevent addiction the way traditional vaccines ward off diseases. They are designed to be used in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy. Because the vaccines only address the chemical effects of addiction, not the behavioral, the combination of vaccines and other therapies will be essential in helping people overcome their addictions.
They work by stimulating the body's immune system to create antibodies that bind to the drug and prevent it from reaching the brain and producing a chemical high.
Developments of the nicotine and cocaine vaccines are the most advanced; versions for methamphetamines, heroin and phencyclidine are in the works.
The federal government has agreed to fund a clinical trial of the nicotine vaccine and The National Institute on Drug Abuse will fund a larger study of the cocaine vaccine beginning in January.
Source: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-addiction6-2009oct06,0,3400048.story
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The vaccines do not prevent addiction the way traditional vaccines ward off diseases. They are designed to be used in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy. Because the vaccines only address the chemical effects of addiction, not the behavioral, the combination of vaccines and other therapies will be essential in helping people overcome their addictions.
They work by stimulating the body's immune system to create antibodies that bind to the drug and prevent it from reaching the brain and producing a chemical high.
Developments of the nicotine and cocaine vaccines are the most advanced; versions for methamphetamines, heroin and phencyclidine are in the works.
The federal government has agreed to fund a clinical trial of the nicotine vaccine and The National Institute on Drug Abuse will fund a larger study of the cocaine vaccine beginning in January.
Source: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-addiction6-2009oct06,0,3400048.story
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Heroin Trial Sees Positive Results
- 10.09.2009
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Britain recently wrapped up a four-year trial program where longtime heroin addicts were given daily injections of the drug to help wean them off. The trial proved successful and resulted in reduced drug use on the streets and crime among the participants.
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Cocaine Addiction in the Brain
- 10.07.2009
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About 2 million Americans currently use cocaine for its euphoric side effects making it one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs available. The severe biological and behavioral issues that result from cocaine addiction make it especially difficult to overcome.
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