Virtual reality to help people early in alcohol recovery imagine and connect with healthier futures
Official title: Enhancing Prospection with Virtual Reality in Alcohol Use Disorder Recovery
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11160711 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program uses virtual reality to help people recovering from alcohol use disorder meet imagined future versions of themselves to support staying sober.
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 start | August 20, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $621,998 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA029396-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11160711 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults in early recovery from alcohol use disorder, such as those recently completing treatment or within the first months of sobriety, are the intended participants.
✕Less likely to help
People not seeking abstinence, those who cannot tolerate VR (for example severe motion sickness) or who cannot attend in-person visits for brain measurements may not benefit or be eligible.
What this research studies
You'll enter a realistic virtual world where you meet aged versions of your future self across different possible futures that depend on today's choices. The experience uses a time-travel narrative and personal interactions to make future outcomes feel emotionally real and motivating. Researchers will measure changes in how you think about the future, choices between immediate and delayed rewards, and your brain responses before and after the VR sessions. The goal is to strengthen future-oriented thinking to improve abstinence and recovery outcomes during early recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help people strengthen future thinking and reduce impulsive drinking, improving chances of long-term abstinence.
How similar studies have gone: Related 'episodic future thinking' and future-self exercises have shown promise for reducing impulsive choices, but immersive VR versions in alcohol recovery are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oberlin, Brandon — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Oberlin, Brandon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Using Virtual Reality to Help Adults with Alcohol Use Disorder Cope in Real-Life Triggers
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Virtual reality time-travel prompts to support abstinence in alcohol use disorder recovery
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Using virtual reality to help people recover from alcohol use disorder
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.
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Alcohol Use Disorder and Suicidal Behavior: Finding Why They Occur Together
A study using Swedish population data to understand why alcohol use disorder relates to suicidal thoughts and acts, with the goal of improving risk prediction and prevention.
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Non-hallucinogenic psilocybin derivative for alcohol use disorder
A new, safer psilocybin-like compound is being studied to help people with alcohol use disorder.
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.