Using Virtual Reality to help young adults reduce heavy drinking

Using Virtual Reality to help develop discrepancy and elicit change talk in brief motivational interventions for heavy drinking young adults

['FUNDING_R01'] · BROWN UNIVERSITY · NIH-10976774

This study is exploring how virtual reality can help young adults think about their drinking habits and motivate them to cut back on alcohol by creating engaging experiences that spark meaningful conversations about their goals.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBROWN UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10976774 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how virtual reality (VR) can enhance brief motivational interventions (BMIs) aimed at helping young adults reduce their alcohol consumption. By creating immersive experiences, the study aims to encourage participants to reflect on the discrepancies between their drinking habits and their personal goals. The approach involves engaging participants in VR scenarios that promote meaningful discussions about their behaviors and aspirations, potentially leading to greater motivation for change. The study will assess the effectiveness of these VR-enhanced interventions compared to traditional methods.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adults under 21 who are experiencing issues related to heavy drinking.

Not a fit: Patients who are not struggling with alcohol consumption or who are not interested in changing their drinking behavior may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective tool for young adults struggling with heavy drinking, leading to improved health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While VR has shown promise in treating various behavioral and mental health issues, its application in addressing hazardous drinking is still relatively novel and underexplored.

Where this research is happening

PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Anxiety Disorders

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.