RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Therapy in Alcohol Use Disorder Study

This study is exploring whether virtual reality (VR) therapy, when combined with a type of talking therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), can help people with alcohol use disorder. Previous research suggests VR might help with cravings, but we want to see if it also helps people reduce their alcohol intake over a longer period. We'll be comparing individuals who receive VR and CBT with those who get CBT alone, looking at how much alcohol they drink and their cravings after eight months. Participants will be aged 18 to 80, have alcohol use disorder, and have been abstinent for at least 15 days.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

156

Start

01 Nov 2023

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Alcool Use Disorder

What is this study about?

This study is about finding new and effective ways to help people who are struggling with alcohol use disorder, which is when someone has difficulty controlling their drinking. We're particularly interested in a modern approach called virtual reality (VR) therapy. You might know VR from games or other experiences. In this study, we're using it as a tool to help people manage their triggers and cravings for alcohol.

We know that a type of talking therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is very helpful for many people. What we want to find out is if adding VR therapy to CBT makes it even more effective. Specifically, we'll be looking to see if this combination helps people drink less alcohol and experience fewer cravings over an eight-month period.

Right now, there's some promising research about VR for reducing cravings, but we need more information about its long-term effects on how much alcohol people drink. By doing this study, we hope to gather valuable information that could lead to better treatments for alcohol use disorder in the future.

Key takeaways

Exploring if virtual reality (VR) can enhance traditional talking therapy (CBT) for alcohol use disorder.
Compares VR + CBT with CBT alone to see which is more effective.
Aims to reduce alcohol consumption and cravings over an eight-month period.
Participation involves initial therapy sessions, then monthly follow-ups.
Your involvement is voluntary, and you can withdraw anytime.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to join this study, you need to be aged between 18 and 80 years old and have a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder. It's important that you have not had any alcohol for at least 15 days before the study starts. You also need to be able to speak, understand, and read French, and be signed up to the French health insurance system. You'll also need to sign a consent form, which means you agree to take part after understanding what the study involves.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join the study. These include if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have certain uncontrolled mental health conditions, severe memory problems, or some vision or balance issues. If you've had a stroke recently (in the last 3 months), experience severe nausea, or have claustrophobia, you also wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you have certain medical devices like a pacemaker, or if you wear very strong prescription glasses (beyond -3.5 diopters), this study might not be suitable.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder?
Have you not consumed any alcohol for at least 15 days?
Can you speak, understand, and read French?
Do you have good overall health without specific unmanaged conditions (e.g., severe mental health issues, recent stroke, or severe vision problems)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will last for a total of eight months. In the first month, everyone will attend four weekly group talking therapy (CBT) sessions. After these, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups: either you'll continue with four more weekly sessions of individual CBT, or you'll have four weekly sessions of virtual reality (VR) therapy. The VR therapy will also be given individually.

After these initial two months of sessions, we'll keep in touch with you once a month for the remaining six months. During these monthly check-ins, we'll ask you about how much alcohol you've consumed and how often you've experienced cravings. We'll use specific questionnaires to help record this information accurately.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you manage your alcohol use disorder, either through talking therapy alone or a combination of talking therapy and virtual reality. While there's no guarantee of specific benefits, the insights gained could also help others in the future. As with any study involving VR, there's a small chance of feeling temporary discomfort like nausea, dizziness, or eye strain, which would be monitored. There's always a risk that the intervention may not be as effective as hoped. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Albert Chenevier
Verified postcode
Créteil, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is VR therapy?

VR therapy uses special headsets to create a computer-generated world that you can experience, making it feel real. In this study, it's used to help with cravings.

What is CBT?

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, is a type of talking therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected, and how to change unhelpful patterns.

How long does the study last?

The study lasts for a total of eight months. The first two months involve weekly sessions, followed by monthly check-ins for six months.

Will I know if I get VR or just CBT?

After your first month of group CBT, you'll be randomly assigned to either receive individual CBT or VR therapy for the second month. You will know which group you are in.

Do I have to stop drinking before joining?

Yes, to be eligible for this study, you need to have been completely free of alcohol for at least 15 days before you start.

How to find out more

El-Hadi ZERDAZI, MD, PhD

el-hadi.zerdazi@aphp.fr + 45 95 83 53 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.