Got Game? Apply for an SBIR Award!

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is looking to support a video game targeting relapse prevention in youth with substance use disorders.  See page 91 in the recently-released solicitation from the NIH and CDC.

Here’s the brief description:

Despite advances in the development of treatments for adolescents with substance use disorders, relapse remains to be a concern. This contract topic will support research to develop a video game targeting prevention of relapse for youth with substance use disorders. Video game platforms of interest include computers, handheld devices, and video game consoles. The video game can be used as a single modality or as part of a continuing care program. Phase I will support the development and feasibility testing of the video game for use with adolescents with substance use disorders. If feasible, Phase II will support further development based on Phase I findings, and pilot testing of efficacy in post-treatment adolescents. The proposed project should be theory based and designed to assess the hypothesized mechanism of action of the intervention (e.g., maintenance of skills learned in treatment or motivation to abstain). This innovative technology is intended to attract and engage adolescents in programs designed to maintain treatment gains and prevent relapse.