Virtual reality takes on alcohol addiction: a new weapon against relapse?
NCT ID NCT05841823
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) can help men with alcohol use disorder reduce their psychological dependence on alcohol and prevent relapse. Eighty men who have completed detox will be randomly assigned to either VRET or standard treatment. VRET uses relaxing scenes and personalized high-risk situations (like a bar or home setting) with associated smells to help patients practice coping with cravings. The study will track changes in drinking behavior, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms over six months.
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 exposure therapy
What this could lead to
If effective, virtual reality could become a new, drug-free tool to help people with alcohol use disorder manage cravings and stay sober.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage trial with 80 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy's long-term benefits are unknown.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ALCOHOL USE DISORDER are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan Medical University
Xinxiang, Henan, 453000, China