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Cognitive exercises that were developed to treat individuals with head-injury are being successfully applied to the treatment of substance abuse. Researchers from the University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) used a computer assisted program to improve the cognitive functioning as part of a recovery program. It was noted that deficits in memory, problem-solving, abstraction, and information processing are common in individuals recovering from substance abuse and tend to delay or interfere with the treatment process.
The RIA study included 120 patients (70 percent male) who were randomly assigned to three treatment interventions - computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation plus standard treatment, typing tutorial plus standard treatment and a control group that received only standard treatment. Patients in the computer-assisted rehabilitation group were required to participate in 50-minute sessions three times per week for two months.
Results clearly favored the computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation group as improving cognitive abilities and attitude toward treatment. This group also stayed in treatment significantly longer than other groups. The RIA researchers believe that by accelerating cognitive recovery, individuals have a better chance for successful treatment of addiction and functioning in life after treatment.
Computers have been used over the years for patient education and clinical screening but treatment via computer has been a more elusive goal. One of the best examples of a new approach using computer assisted cognitive therapy for the treatment of depression and anxiety is a new DVD program called "Good Days Ahead" by Jesse Wright, MD, PhD, Andrew Wright, MD and Aaron T. Beck, PhD. A demo and information can be seen at Mindstreet.com
Results of the RIA study are published in the Journal of Cognitive Rehabilitation
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