Virtual reality therapy for treating alcohol use disorder
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Therapy in Alcohol Use Disorder Study : a Multicenter Randomized Trial. Original Title in French : étude de l'efficacité de la Réalité Virtuelle Dans le Traitement du Trouble de l'Usage d'Alcool : un Essai randomisé Multicentrique (e-Réva)
This study is testing if combining virtual reality therapy with traditional talk therapy can help people with alcohol use disorder drink less and manage their cravings better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 156 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Créteil, Île-de-France Region) |
| Trial ID | NCT06104176 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing alcohol consumption among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The researchers aim to recruit 156 participants aged 18 and over who have been abstinent from alcohol for at least 15 days. The primary objective is to determine if the combination of VRET and CBT is more effective than CBT alone in decreasing the number of standard drinks consumed over an 8-month period. Additionally, the study will assess the impact on reported cravings for alcohol at the same time point.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 who meet the DSM-V criteria for alcohol use disorder and have been abstinent for at least 15 days.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, recent alcohol relapse, or contraindications to virtual reality exposure may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel and effective treatment option for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been promising results in using virtual reality for craving interventions in substance use disorders, this specific approach combining VRET with CBT for alcohol consumption reduction is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 or over, and under 80 on the date of inclusion * Fulfilling Alcohol use disorder according to the DSM-V criteria (American Psychiatric Association, 2013); * In alcohol abstinence for at least 15 days; * Be able to speak, understand and read French; * Signed an informed consent * Affiliated to the French health insurance scheme Exclusion Criteria: * • Major under legal protection measure, or deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision; * Pregnant or breastfeeding women; * Decompensated psychiatric disoreder (psychotic disorders, mood disorders and anxiety disorders); * Alcohol use disorder relapse * Severe cognitive impairment as defined by a score of 10 or less at the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) (Nasreddine et al., 2005) * Visual impairment * Contraindications to virtual reality exposure: a history of photosensitive epilepsy, response, balance disorders, recent stroke less than 3 months old, current nausea/vomiting, claustrophobia, and medium or high myopia (beyond -3.5 diopters) * Patients wearing one of the following medical devices (due to the risk of interference of the virtual reality headset with them): pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or implanted hearing aids (non-implanted prostheses are not contraindicated if the patient agrees to remove them during virtual reality exposure) * Participation in another trial or being in the exclusion period following previous research involving humans, if applicable * Patients not affiliated to the French health insurance scheme and receiving the State Medical Aid
Where this trial is running
Créteil, Île-de-France Region
- Hôpital Albert Chenevier — Créteil, Île-de-France Region, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: El-Hadi ZERDAZI, MD, PhD
- Email: el-hadi.zerdazi@aphp.fr
- Phone: + 45 95 83 53
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.