Leveling Up Recovery: Leveraging Gamified Approaches and Artificial Intelligence to Combat Addictive Disorders

Abstract

This research investigates the potential of digital therapeutics, particularly serious games and gamification, as effective tools for treating addiction. Addictive disorders significantly disrupt the brain's reward system, resulting in severe and lasting consequences, making them a prevalent issue in our world. Serious games and gamification have emerged as innovative approaches that harness engaging gameplay to simulate real-world scenarios, empowering users to confront addictive behaviors within a controlled environment. By integrating game elements into non-gaming contexts, addiction treatment becomes increasingly enjoyable and motivating for users, fostering a more gratifying therapeutic experience. While examining the potential benefits and limitations of employing digital therapeutics for addiction treatment, this research conducts a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies to abide by NIH's treatment standards. Additionally, it explores the role of data analytics and artificial intelligence in addressing the lack of personalized treatment interventions and emotional support within existing gamified approaches. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating digital therapeutics into traditional treatment modalities to enhance overall outcomes for individuals battling addiction. By harnessing the power of modern technologies like serious games and gamification, healthcare professionals can offer more accessible, scalable, and effective addiction treatment solutions in the digital age.