Using virtual reality to help individuals in early recovery from opioid use disorder
Enhancing Prospective Thinking in Early Recovery
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help people in early recovery from opioid use disorder reduce their drug use and stay sober longer.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Indianapolis, Indiana and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05908097 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel virtual reality (VR) intervention designed to support individuals in early recovery from opioid use disorder. Participants will be divided into a VR group and a control group to assess the impact of the VR intervention on reducing opioid use and increasing periods of abstinence. The study will measure various outcomes, including the number of opioid use days and self-reported future orientation. The trial is intended to demonstrate the commercial potential of this VR approach in preparation for further development.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-60 who have been abstinent from opioids for at least 14 days but less than one year.
Not a fit: Patients with unstable medical or psychiatric conditions, habitual drug use, or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve recovery outcomes for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in addiction treatment is emerging, this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Abstinence between ≥14 days and ≤ 1 year * 18-60 years old * Verbal endorsement of commitment to recovery * Outpatient * Psychotropic drugs for SUD-comorbidity * Mu-Opioid drugs * Drug/alcohol abstinence ≥ 24 hours at the time of the study day visit * English comprehension Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable medical disorders * Outside the age range of 18-60 * Habitual drug use * Smell/taste disorders * Unstable psychiatric conditions * Extravagant/elaborate face tattoos
Where this trial is running
Indianapolis, Indiana and 1 other locations
- Indiana University School of Medicine - Goodman Hall — Indianapolis, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
- IUSM - Goodman Hall — Indianapolis, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brandon G Oberlin, PhD — Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Sarah Turo, BA
- Email: sturo@iu.edu
- Phone: 3179637220
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.