Virtual-reality nature immersion for adults in outpatient alcohol treatment.

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a pilot randomized clinical trial comparing immersive virtual-reality (VR) nature sessions plus standard intensive outpatient program (IOP) care versus standard care alone for adults with alcohol use disorder and at least moderate depressive symptoms. Participants recruited from the University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS) IOP will be randomized to receive repeated VR nature exposures during their IOP enrollment and will complete surveys measuring depression, anxiety, stress, acceptability, and feasibility. Key exclusions include seizure disorders, severe motion sickness or vestibular conditions, psychosis, significant cognitive impairment, active suicidal plan, or inability to use the VR headset due to vision correction needs. The study will collect preliminary effectiveness and implementation data to inform larger trials and is conducted in-person at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with a documented AUD diagnosis
* Individuals enrolled in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) (First week enrollment or planned enrollment in Michigan Medicine's Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS) IOP)
* Individuals with a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score (≥10, moderate or greater depression symptoms)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe motion sickness or sensitivity to VR-induced nausea or dizziness (anticipated \<10%), medical contraindications to VR use (e.g., seizure disorders, vestibular disorders, agoraphobia, claustrophobia, psychosis).
* Significant cognitive impairments that prevent provision of informed consent
* Suicidal ideation or plan after consultation with treating clinician
* Participants who require vision correction with glasses, unless vision correction is mild (±1), or the participant does not have prescription contact lenses.

Where it's running

• University of Michigan
  Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Hala Darwish, PhD — University of Michigan
• Study coordinator: Zee Petrie
• Email: petrieli@med.umich.edu
• Phone: 734-647-3357

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.