Can virtual reality help fight alcohol addiction?

NCT ID NCT06333457

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Charite University, Berlin, Germany Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether a strong sense of 'presence' during virtual reality therapy could help people with alcohol dependence manage cravings and avoid relapse. Sixty abstinent patients who had recently completed withdrawal treatment took part. Researchers measured craving levels and tracked relapse rates over time.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Virtual reality cue-exposure therapy (VR-CET)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help refine VR-based treatments for alcohol dependence by showing how a strong sense of presence might reduce craving and relapse.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed observational study, not a large treatment trial. Results may not apply to all patients, and VR therapy is not yet a standard treatment.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse alcohol dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Psychiatric University Hospital Charité at St. Hedwig Hospital

Berlin, State of Berlin, 10115, Germany

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.