Chess-based cognitive remediation training improves sustained attention and quality of life

Subproject C01 of the Collaborative Research Centre/Transregio TRR 265 develops and validates innovative therapeutic approaches for individuals with substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorder (AUD) and tobacco use disorder (TUD). Recent findings in individuals with alcohol use disorder demonstrate that a chess-based cognitive remediation training programme can improve sustained attention and enhance quality of life. The training was very well received by participants. Although the positive effects on quality of life could not yet be demonstrated over the long term in this study, the findings suggest that chess-based cognitive remediation training may support cognitive rehabilitation in substance use disorders and thereby contribute to the long-term recovery of cognitive control. The results were recently published in the journal Neuropsychological Rehabilitation (Seeger et al., 2026; DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2026.2702561).

The authors have also published a freely available manual: https://zenodo.org/records/16901577. It is intended for professionals in psychotherapy, occupational therapy, and neuropsychology and provides a structured, practice-oriented guide to implementing the programme, including session plans, example exercises, and teaching recommendations.