Using a digital platform with avatars to help treat addiction and related issues
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of A Digital, Self-Guided, Avatar Assisted- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Platform to Treat Addiction: Digital RITch®CBT vs. Standard CBT
Funded at Rochester Institute of Technology · NIH-10710167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new online therapy program that uses fun avatars to help people dealing with addiction and relationship violence, and it’s comparing this digital approach to regular therapy to see which one works better for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rochester Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $521,734 |
| NIH project number | 5UG3DA057042-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10710167 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 0-21 who are experiencing substance use disorders or intimate partner violence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing substance use disorders or intimate partner violence may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a digital, self-guided therapy platform that uses avatars to assist in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for individuals struggling with addiction and intimate partner violence. The approach aims to provide a personalized and engaging experience for patients, making therapy more accessible and effective. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the digital platform or standard CBT to compare outcomes. The study addresses the increased rates of substance use and intimate partner violence, particularly exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and accessible treatment options for individuals dealing with addiction and related behavioral issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that digital versions of cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Easton, Caroline J. — Rochester Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Easton, Caroline J.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.