Using virtual reality to reduce alcohol cravings
Official title: Effects of virtual reality-based environmental enrichment on alcohol craving
Funded at U.s. National Institute on Drug Abuse · NIH-10941553 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how using virtual reality can help people with alcohol use disorder feel less cravings for alcohol by creating a fun and engaging environment, and it includes both those with the disorder and healthy individuals to see how it works for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | U.s. National Institute on Drug Abuse NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1FI2GM154714-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10941553 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who experience significant cravings for alcohol.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not experiencing cravings for alcohol may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how virtual reality-based environmental enrichment can help reduce cravings for alcohol in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). By creating a multisensory virtual environment, the study aims to simulate conditions that have shown promise in animal models for decreasing alcohol consumption and cravings. Participants will engage in controlled sessions where their responses to alcohol-related cues will be measured, allowing researchers to assess the effectiveness of this innovative approach. The study will involve both individuals with AUD and healthy controls to compare the effects across different populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel therapeutic tool to help individuals manage their alcohol cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that environmental enrichment can reduce alcohol consumption in animal models, suggesting potential for success in human applications, although this specific virtual reality approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
U.s. National Institute on Drug Abuse
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tyler, Ryan Edward — U.s. National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Study coordinator: Tyler, Ryan Edward
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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.