Seeking help for an addiction?

Addiction Advisor .co.uk is the leading online provider of free medical information about drug and alcohol addiction issues. You can receive independent, expert advice on addictions rehab and treatment by telephoning Addiction Advisor on 0845 370 0102

 

 

Technology can help addicts trying to quit

New technology could help prevent addicts from giving in to temptation.
This is the conclusion of Frank Ryan, from Birkbeck College who spoke recently at the Annual Conference of the British Psychological Society's Division of Clinical Psychology.

Anyone who has tried to quit smoking or stop drinking will know that the world then seems full of cigarettes and alcohol. Research has shown that this is not just a figment of the imagination, but a common sequel to stopping an addictive habit: triggers for our once favourite drugs seem to jump out at us like a familiar face that pops out in a crowd.
Frank Ryan, chair of the seminar, explained: This is known as the "reward radar", it is always on and always detects precisely the triggers someone trying to quit drugs or gambling might want to avoid. Because this happens so fast it is difficult to control.'

In one study described at the conference, a group of 92 excessive drinkers significantly reduced their alcohol intake following specially designed computerised training. This involved learning to divert the focus of attention away from images of their favourite drink. Repeated many times, this simple procedure seems to reprogramme' how our minds react to the all too familiar images that have the potential to prompt us to drink alcohol or use drugs.

Frank continued; These new findings point to the potential to develop a new tool for tackling addictive habits in the clinic or perhaps as a form of self-help.'

Article originally published on 27/12/2008 by DryOutNow.com, the alcohol specific website for Addiction Advisor

 

 

 

Other Addictions Treatment Articles

• Technology improves treatment options for drug users ...... read
• Department promoting early substance use screening process ...... read
• Majority of teens discuss risky behaviours on MySpace, studies conclude ...... read
• NIDA releases a new research report on comorbidity of addiction and other mental illnesses ...... read
• DrugScope welcomes report on 'neglected issue' of prescription and over-the-counter medication depen ...... read
• Tougher health and safety law demands tougher drugs policies, says drug testing company ...... read
• DrugScope responds to NTA figures on young people in treatment for substance misuse ...... read
• Concerns over trends in Ketamine use ...... read
• Tracking community wide drug use by testing water at sewage treatment plants ...... read
• Study assesses success of anti meth adverts ...... read
• All patients should be asked about alcohol and drug abuse, says The American College of Obstetrician ...... read
• Reward stress link points to new targets for treating addiction ...... read