Can a VR forest lift depression in alcohol recovery? small trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT07413458
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study will test whether short, immersive virtual reality nature sessions can reduce depression, anxiety, and stress in adults with alcohol use disorder who are in an intensive outpatient program. Fifty participants will either receive standard care or add up to 12 VR nature sessions over 4 weeks using the Apple Vision Pro. The main goal is to see if the approach is feasible and acceptable, with early signs of mood improvement.
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 nature immersion using Apple Vision Pro
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new, drug-free way to ease depression and anxiety for people in alcohol treatment.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small pilot study (50 people) focused on feasibility, not proof of effectiveness. VR may cause motion sickness or be too burdensome for some participants.
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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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Feb 2026
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
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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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: * Individuals with a documented AUD diagnosis * Individuals enrolled in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) (First week enrollment or planned enrollment in Michigan Medicine's Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS) IOP) * Individuals with a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score (≥10, moderate or greater depression symptoms) Exclusion Criteria: * Severe motion sickness or sensitivity to VR-induced nausea or dizziness (anticipated \<10%), medical contraindications to VR use (e.g., seizure disorders, vestibular disorders, agoraphobia, claustrophobia, psychosis). * Significant cognitive impairments that prevent provision of informed consent * Suicidal ideation or plan after consultation with treating clinician * Participants who require vision correction with glasses, unless vision correction is mild (±1), or the participant does not have prescription contact lenses.
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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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University of Michigan
RECRUITINGAnn Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
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