Cognitive bias modification in the treatment of addiction

This chapter reviews cognitive bias modification studies in addiction, with a discussion of ways forward. First, it is crucial to distinguish between proof-of-principle studies aimed at revealing mechanisms, typically performed in student volunteers not aiming for behavior change, and randomized controlled trials in which the goal is behavior change, performed either as add-on to clinical treatment or as stand-alone intervention. We discuss studies in clinical samples and ways forward. For approach bias modification, rather consistent add-on effects have been found regarding treatment outcome. For attentional bias modification, results have been more mixed, but there are promising results. Possible ways forward include adding neural enhancement methods and developing more personally relevant varieties of training, which better align with cognitive and motivating interventions.