Development and Evaluation of the Gathas Game as a Therapeutic Resource in Working With Psychoactive Substance Users

ABSTRACT Background The increasing prevalence of psychoactive substance use and its associated disorders necessitates innovative and engaging therapeutic interventions. This study presents the Gathas Game, a gamified therapeutic tool designed to support individuals in substance use treatment by integrating principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Positive Psychology and Self‐Compassion. Methods The game incorporates elements of Beck's cognitive triad, Character Strengths (Gratitude, Forgiveness and Hope) and mindfulness‐based approaches to encourage self‐reflection, cognitive restructuring and positive behavioural change. Through a structured yet interactive format, the game fosters engagement, peer interaction and the development of adaptive coping strategies. The study details the development process, expert validation and initial pilot testing of the game. Results The development process, expert validation and initial pilot testing demonstrate the game's potential to enhance emotional resilience and treatment adherence. Preliminary results suggest positive emotional impact and participant engagement. Conclusion Further research is required to validate the long‐term effectiveness of the Gathas Game in substance use rehabilitation. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of gamification in addiction treatment and underscores the importance of developing accessible and interactive mental health interventions.