Research on the Efficacy of the "T.O.P. Computer Training" Procedure in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence

University Ghent247 enrolled

Overview

The investigators evaluate the efficacy of a computerised program (T.O.P. tool) consisting of an approach avoidance training (AAT) (to retrain action tendencies for alcohol-related stimuli), a visual probe training (VPT) (to retrain attentional bias for alcohol-related stimuli) and the combination of both training procedures versus placebo training, as an add-on to treatment as usual (psycho-education and cognitive behavioral therapy). The investigators include hospitalized detoxified alcohol-dependent patients, who receive a four week training procedure, existing of a pre-assessment, 6 training sessions and a post-assessment. Outcome measures consist of behavioral measures (consumption of alcohol - self report over 1 year), questionnaires (AUDIT; craving on 9-point likert scale) and approach avoidance and visual probe measurement tasks. A six month and 1 year follow-up is included (behavioral measures and AUDIT). Further, the investigators will also assess credibility (9-point likert scale) of the training procedure before the start of the training and immediately after the assessment of the AAT and VPT training.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Enrollment

247

Conditions

Alcohol Dependence

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * hospitalized alcohol-dependent patients, choosing for abstinence en committed to treatment * detoxification (with benzodiazepines) is terminated * Dutch speaking Exclusion Criteria: * neurological condition, such as Korsakoff syndrome * cognitive problems (cut-off \<26/30 on the Montral Cognitive Assessment) * psychotic disorders * visual and motor problems at the hands * non-Dutch speaking * mental retardation * patients who are illiterate

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

change in drink behavior

AUDIT score

Time frame: baseline, at 6 months and 1-year post training: change in auditscores between baseline, 6 months and 1-year post-training, and differences between groups

Secondary Outcomes

change in Retraining attentional bias

The effect on a VPT task

Time frame: baseline and between 1 and 7 days after completion of the 6 training sessions: change

change in Retraining action tendencies

The effect on a AAT task

Time frame: baseline and between 1 and 7 days after completion of the 6 training sessions: change in action tendencies