Leaving rehab can be a critical time for any addict, and researchers from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Charleston, S.C. are developing a role-playing video game they hope will help recovering alcoholics prevent relapse and reintegrate to a sober lifestyle after treatment.

The game, called "Guardian Angel" works by leading the player through a series of mini games that mimic the choices addicts face on leaving rehabilitation. For instance, players begin the game without a job or driver's license, and must complete objectives such as planning routes around the city without passing a liquor store, or ridding their homes of alcohol and related triggers. The game also includes an emotional component, with a "craving meter" that keeps track of the player's stress level and state of mind. If those cravings get too high, the player relapses.

The hope, says Dr. Marcia Verduin, one of the UCF professors developing the game, is that players will make these mistakes while playing the game instead of doing it in the real world. Another professor involved with the project said they also wanted to make practicing relapse skills more enjoyable.

Once research is complete, the professors hope to make the game available for free on the Internet.