A videogame for perceived risk of harm from opioid misuse in adolescents: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT: The opioid epidemic greatly impacts adolescents, especially those with low perceived risk of harm-an important predictor of misuse initiation. Here, to address this, we developed and evaluated PlaySmart, a videogame targeting perceived risk, in a two-arm parallel superiority unblinded randomized controlled trial with a placebo comparator. We randomized 532 participants (mean age 16.6 years; 47% female) to PlaySmart (n = 269) or control games (n = 263). Eligible students-16-19 years old, no prior opioid misuse and 'high-risk' based on substance use or mental health screens-agreed to 60-min gameplay sessions, and provided assent and parental consent if under 18 years old. Participants played during supervised after-school sessions (1 or 2 times per week for approximately 6 week

SUBMITTER: Boomer T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12863660 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature