Using virtual reality to help people in early recovery from stimulant use
Enhancing Prospective Thinking in Early Recovery
This study is testing a new virtual reality program to see if it can help people in early recovery from stimulant use stay off drugs and improve their outlook on the future.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT05835921 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel virtual reality intervention designed to reduce stimulant use and promote abstinence among individuals in early recovery from stimulant use disorder. The study will assess various outcomes, including the number of stimulant use days, duration of abstinence, and improvements in future self-identification and time perspective. Participants will engage in the VR intervention and be monitored for changes in their substance use behaviors and psychological metrics over time.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been abstinent from stimulants 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 under the influence of mu-opioid drugs may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve recovery outcomes for individuals struggling with stimulant use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in substance use treatment is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar interventions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Abstinence between ≥14 days and ≤1 year * At least 18 years old * Verbal endorsement of commitment to recovery * Outpatient * Psychotropic drugs for SUD-comorbidity * Drug/alcohol abstinence ≥ 24 hours at the time of the study day visit * English comprehension Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable medical disorders * Less than 18 years old * Habitual drug use * Mu-opioid drugs * Smell/taste disorders * Unstable psychiatric conditions * Extravagant/elaborate face tattoos
Where this trial is running
Indianapolis, Indiana
- Indiana University School of Medicine - Goodman Hall — Indianapolis, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brandon G Oberlin, PhD — Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Sarah Turo, MSW
- Email: sturo@iu.edu
- Phone: 317-963-7220
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.