Scientists have discovered the key to stopping cravings for cigarettes, food and even sex – playing the Tetris computer game.
Psychologists asked dozens of students to report whenever they felt a craving and how strong the feeling was, before reporting back again in 15 minutes.
Half of the participants were given an iPad to play the block-shifting game Tetris between reports, and they found their cravings reduced by a fifth.
Professor Jackie Andrade, of Plymouth University, said: ‘This is the first demonstration that cognitive interference can be used outside the lab to reduce cravings for substances and activities other than eating.
‘We think the Tetris effect happens because craving involves imagining the experience of consuming a particular substance.
‘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.’ – Daily Mail
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