Prospective memory is the ability to implement an intention to the future (e.g. remember to take medication, attend a scheduled meeting), and has receive little attention in addiction. The investigators propose that prospective memory plays a critical, yet unrecognized, role in major human behavior change such as that required in addiction treatment. This study will determine the preliminary efficacy of prospective memory training in improving memory and executive functions while reducing illicit drug use in methadone patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three conditions: an experimental memory training program or one of two comparator memory training programs.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
1
The experimental memory training will be implemented as a computer program that uses state-of-the-art immersive technology to simulate prospective memory in everyday life in which one must remember to carry out tasks throughout the day, while engaging in current ongoing activity. Participants are asked to imagine they have a work-at-home job (ongoing activity), which is an independent program (CogMed QM) designed to train working memory, but that they also need to remember to carry out a number of tasks throughout the day. Using a touch screen, participants will need to touch objects in the simulated environment to appropriately interact with these stimuli according to their pre-assigned tasks.
The first comparator memory training intervention will utilize the same overall structure and immersive computer environment as the experimental memory intervention, but will not challenge the same aspects of cognition.
The second comparator memory training intervention will utilize the same overall structure and immersive computer environment as the experimental memory intervention, but will not challenge the same aspects of cognition.
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Bayview Campus
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Change in prospective memory over course of training
Prospective memory will be evaluated within the program itself and measured as the percentage of correct responses within the program. Higher percentages are indicative of greater prospective memory performance.
Time frame: one month
Change in drug use and substance abuse over course of training.
Drug use will be evaluated by urinalysis. Negative screens are indicative of drug abstinence.
Time frame: one month
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