Using virtual reality to help people recover from stimulant addiction
Official title: Stimulant Use Recovery Via Immersive Virtual Environments (SURVIVE)
Funded at Charles River Analytics, INC. · NIH-10785027 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new virtual reality program called SURVIVE to help people recovering from stimulant use disorder, like those struggling with meth or cocaine, by using engaging therapy techniques in a supportive virtual space to make recovery easier and reduce the chances of relapse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Charles River Analytics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $319,988 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DA059490-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10785027 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with stimulant use disorder who are seeking treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with stimulant use disorder or those who have severe psychiatric conditions that prevent participation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a virtual reality system called SURVIVE to assist individuals recovering from stimulant use disorder, which includes the misuse of drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine. The system will integrate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques within an immersive environment to enhance treatment effectiveness and patient engagement. By providing a controlled and supportive virtual space, the project seeks to improve access to care and reduce relapse rates among patients. The feasibility of this innovative approach will be demonstrated through the design and testing of the prototype system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for individuals struggling with stimulant use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality in addiction treatment is an emerging field, similar approaches have shown promise in other areas of behavioral health, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Charles River Analytics, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bracken, Bethany K — Charles River Analytics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Bracken, Bethany K
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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.