Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2011;46(1):4-9.
doi: 10.3109/10826084.2011.521066.

A review of computer-based interventions used in the assessment, treatment, and research of drug addiction

Warren K Bickel  1 , Darren R Christensen, Lisa A Marsch
Affiliations
Review

A review of computer-based interventions used in the assessment, treatment, and research of drug addiction

Warren K Bickel et al. Subst Use Misuse. 2011.

Abstract

Computer-based interventions are cost-efficient methods that may result in greater access to drug addiction treatment. We review recent findings from our laboratory where computer-based interventions have produced outcomes that are comparable to therapist-delivered interventions. We also examine how computer-based interventions targeting substance abuse disorders relate to cognitive functioning. This review will suggest that not only are computer-based interventions cost-efficient and accessible but that they are also effective methods for the motivation, engagement, and treatment of drug-dependent individuals. Moreover, computer-based interventions are compatible with a recently proposed biological mechanism implicated as the basis for drug addiction.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Interest

In addition to their affiliations listed above, Drs. Bickel and Marsch are affiliated with Health Sim, LLC, a health –promotion software development organization. The authors have worked extensively with their institutions to manage any potential conflict of interest.

References

    1. Backer TE. Assessing and enhancing readiness for change: Implications for technology transfer. In: Backer TE, David SL, Soucy G, editors. Reviewing the behavioral science knowledge base on technology transfer. NIDA Research Monograph 155, NIH Publication No. 95-4035. Rockville, MD: National Institute on Drug Abuse; 1995. pp. 21–44. - PubMed
    1. Bechara A. Decision making, impulse control, and loss of willpower to resist drugs: A neurocognitive perspective. Nature Neuroscience. 2005;8:1458–1463. - PubMed
    1. Bechara A, Damasio H, Damasio AR. Role of the amygdala in decision-making. Annals of New York Academy of Sciences. 2003;985:356–369. - PubMed
    1. Bickel WK, Marsch LA. Toward a behavioral economic understanding of drug dependence: Delay discounting processes. Addiction. 2001;96:73–86. - PubMed
    1. Bickel WK, Marsch LA. A future for the prevention and treatment of drug abuse: Applications of computer-based interactive technology. In: Henningfield JE, Santora PB, Bickel WK, editors. Addiction treatment: Science and policy for the twenty-first century. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press; 2007. pp. 35–44.

Publication types