Tetris Game to Weaken Cravings?

A study conducted by psychologists in Australia and the U.K. showed that playing Tetris could lessen the intensity of craving for cigarettes, drug substances, alcohol, coffee and food - even constant sleeping and sex - by as much as 20%.

The team of researchers from Queensland University of Technology and Plymouth University recruited 31 undergrad students between 18-27 years old as their subjects. They sent the volunteers random text messages seven times a day over a weeklong test period, telling them to report cravings when they receive the messages or at other times.

Out of the fifteen people who reported cravings, 66% of these were for non-alcoholic drinks and food, while 21% were for different substances - including cigarettes, coffee, alcoholic drinks (e.g. beer, wine, etc.) and drugs. Another 16% were for activities like playing video games, engaging in intercourse and going out with friends.

These individuals were then instructed to play Tetris for 3 minutes. Afterwards, they had to report intensity of cravings again. The results showed that playing the video game weakened the subjects' longing for food, substances or certain activities to 56% from 70%.

According to the paper's author, Jackie Andrade - a professor at Plymouth University School of Psychology, "We think the Tetris effect happens because craving involves imagining the experience of consuming a particular substance or indulging in a particular activity".

"Playing a visually interesting game like Tetris occupies the mental processes that support that imagery; it is hard to imagine something vividly and play Tetris at the same time".

The research team also discovered that the "Tetris effect" was consistent on all cravings, from activities to drugs, throughout the whole experiment period.

Andrade's co-author and colleague reported, "People played the game 40 times on average but the effect did not seem to wear off".

"This finding is potentially important because an intervention that worked solely because it was novel and unusual would have diminishing benefits over time as participants became familiar with it".

The study could mean that playing the classic puzzle video game might just help some people dealing with compulsive eating and substance addiction. They could control or, better yet, overcome vices. However, the researchers have to conduct more tests and studies to see if Tetris could be useful for drug addiction.