Unlocking the Power of Gaming: How Video Games Can Prevent Addiction in Youth

In a world where video games are often seen as an escape from reality, a new approach is emerging that harnesses the power of gaming to tackle a pressing issue - addiction. Dr. Lynn E. Fiellin, an addiction medicine doctor, has launched a company called Playbl that offers interactive games designed to educate and empower young people in navigating the challenges of opioids, tobacco use, sexual health, and mental health. These innovative digital tools are now receiving recognition and funding from a prestigious digital health accelerator at Dartmouth, signaling a shift in how technology can be leveraged to address the growing problem of addiction among adolescents and young adults.

Empowering Youth Through Interactive Gaming

Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Action

Dr. Fiellin's journey began with a realization that many of her patients, struggling with drug addiction as young adults, wished they had known earlier what she now understood about addiction. This insight led her to believe that if the right information and skills could be provided to children before addiction takes hold, the problem could be prevented for many. Recognizing that over 90% of children over the age of 2 are engaged with video games, Fiellin saw an opportunity to meet young people where they already were - in the digital realm.

Designing Immersive, Impactful Games

Playbl's games are designed to resemble graphic novels, presenting players with a series of decisions that unfold like a choose-your-own-adventure narrative. This interactive format allows young people to explore the consequences of their choices in a safe, simulated environment. The games cover a range of topics, including navigating the dangers of opioids, making informed decisions about tobacco use, and addressing sexual health and mental health challenges.

Fostering Skill Development and Behavior Change

The games go beyond simply providing information; they aim to equip young people with the necessary skills to make informed decisions and navigate challenging, risky situations. By presenting players with realistic scenarios and allowing them to practice different strategies, such as using humor, making excuses, or standing firm, the games help develop the critical thinking and decision-making abilities needed to avoid addiction.

Integrating Games into Educational Curricula

Educators have recognized the value of these interactive games in their prevention and diversion efforts. Superintendents and teachers, like Marie Ward and Nally Sahin, have incorporated the Playbl games into their school's curriculum, using them to reinforce lessons on topics like vaping and drug use. By providing an engaging, skill-building alternative to traditional prevention methods, the games have proven effective in helping students make better choices and stay in school.

Expanding Reach and Impact

The recognition and funding received from the Dartmouth Innovation Accelerator for Digital Health will enable Playbl to build a platform that can be more widely adopted by educational and healthcare institutions. This expansion will allow the company to offer its games to a broader audience, empowering more young people with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex landscape of addiction.

Addressing the Evolving Challenges of Addiction

While opioid misuse among adolescents and young adults has been declining in recent years, the rate of drug overdoses for teenagers has seen a concerning 94% increase from 2020 to 2021. This underscores the need for innovative approaches that can adapt to the changing landscape of addiction. By harnessing the power of interactive gaming, Playbl's games aim to provide a proactive and engaging solution to this pressing public health issue.

Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Action

Fiellin and her team recognize that simply providing accurate information is not enough to prevent addiction. Young people need to develop the skills and confidence to make the right choices when faced with temptation or peer pressure. The Playbl games create a safe, immersive environment where players can practice these critical skills, ultimately empowering them to make informed decisions that align with their goals and values.

Fostering Holistic Well-being

Beyond addressing the specific challenges of addiction, the Playbl games also tackle broader issues of sexual health and mental well-being. By integrating these topics into the interactive narratives, the games aim to support the overall development and resilience of young people, equipping them with the tools to navigate the complexities of adolescence and young adulthood.