Virtual reality and games tested as a new tool to fight alcohol cravings
NCT ID NCT06860607
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 21, 2026 · Updated 59 times
Summary
This pilot study tests whether engaging in enjoyable activities and virtual reality can reduce alcohol cravings and drinking in people with alcohol use disorder. About 44 adults will attend up to 10 visits, comparing active sessions (games, VR, crafts) with passive sessions (watching videos). Researchers will measure cravings, mood, and alcohol use through a smartphone app and a simulated bar setting.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Environmental enrichment (virtual reality, games, puzzles, crafts, books)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to help people with alcohol use disorder cut back on drinking.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small pilot study (44 people) testing short-term effects in a lab setting. Results may not translate to real-world drinking habits or long-term change.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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About 44 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Mar 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government research agency
The lead sponsor is the US National Institutes of Health.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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21 to 100 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: To meet eligibility for this study, participants must meet all the following criteria: 1. At least 21 years old 2. Owns a cellular device ("smart phone") and is willing to download the EMA application and use it to answer the study questionnaires 3. Diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (minimum of 2 DSM-5 criteria on a valid diagnostic tool, e.g., Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) or the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID)) 4. Self-reported drinking, according to alcohol Timeline Follow-Back (TLFB), of \> 7 drinks per week for females or \> 14 drinks per week for males, on average, during the 28-day period prior to screening + at least four days with \> 3 drinks for females or \> 4 drinks for males during the 28-day period prior to screening 5. Most recent Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol - revised (CIWA-Ar) score \< 10 6. If a female of childbearing potential: not pregnant or breastfeeding, no intention to become pregnant during the study duration, and agrees to use a highly effective contraception method to prevent pregnancy for the entire study duration. Highly effective contraception methods will be determined by the MAI or designee. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Any individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from this study: 1. Current use of FDA-approved pharmacotherapy for AUD (or of a medication intended as an off-label use to treat AUD as determined by the MAI), or currently seeking treatment for AUD 2. Medical and/or mental health conditions that are clinically unstable and would therefore compromise the safety and/or scientific integrity of the study, as determined by the MAI or study team respectively. 3. Known history of clinically significant cybersickness. 4. Any other reason or clinical condition that the Investigators judge would interfere with study participation and/or be unsafe for a participant 5. Unable to speak, read, write, and understand English Justification: Many of the assessments have only been validated in English, and therefore, a non-English translation would jeopardize the scientific integrity of the study.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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National Institute on Drug Abuse
RECRUITINGBaltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States
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