Using virtual reality to help people recover from alcohol use disorder
Enhancing Prospection with Virtual Reality in Alcohol Use Disorder Recovery
This study is testing a new virtual reality program to help people recovering from alcohol use disorder by helping them imagine and plan for a healthier future, making it easier to stay committed to their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10893448 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a new virtual reality intervention designed to support individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) by enhancing their ability to visualize and plan for the future. Participants will engage in immersive experiences that allow them to interact with representations of their future selves, which may motivate them to make healthier choices. The study aims to quantify brain responses and improve recovery outcomes by addressing the common challenge of immediate reward preference over long-term goals. By creating a compelling narrative and emotional engagement, the intervention seeks to strengthen participants' commitment to abstinence and recovery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in the early stages of recovery from alcohol use disorder who are motivated to improve their future outlook.
Not a fit: Patients who are not currently in recovery or those with severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel therapeutic tool that significantly improves long-term recovery outcomes for individuals with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in therapeutic settings is gaining traction, this specific approach targeting future orientation in alcohol use disorder is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oberlin, Brandon — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Oberlin, Brandon
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 below.