Study on the efficiency of virtual reality in the treatment of alcohol use disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

• DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08271-x
• Publication Date: 2024-06-27T14:03:01Z
• Authors: Fanny Nègre; Maud Lemercier-Du...; Romain Gomet; Antoine Pelissolo; Eric Malbos; Lucia Romo; El-Hadi Zerdazi
• Keywords: Alcohol use disorder; Alcohol Dependence; Relapse prevention

Abstract Context According to the World Health Organization, alcohol is a major global public health problem, leading significant increase in illness and death. To treat use disorders, new therapeutic tools are being promoted, among which virtual reality (VR) shows promise. Previous research has demonstrated efficacy of VR reducing cravings patients, but there lack data on its effectiveness maintaining abstinence or consumption recently abstinent individuals. The E-Reva study aims compare treatment strategy combining cue exposure therapy (VR-CET) cognitive behavioral (CBT) with conventional CBT craving patients disorder (AUD). In addition this primary objective, will effects VR-CET combined anxiety, depression, rumination, feelings self-efficacy versus CBT. Methods This prospective randomized controlled trial be conducted over 8 months four addiction departments France. It includes two parallel groups: i) + group, ii) CBT-only serves as control group. Participants recruited by investigating doctor centers. sample consist 156 diagnosed AUD for at least 15 days. Both groups participate group sessions followed individual sessions: exposed environments associated alcohol-related stimuli, receive traditional sessions. After completion sessions, up 6 months. outcome cumulative number standard drinks consumed months, assessed using TLFB method. Discussion Despite promise reduce desire drink, effect remains uncertain existing literature. Our protocol address limitations previous increasing size, targeting reduction, incorporating neutral environments. enrich literature open perspectives future interventions. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06104176, Registered 2023/11/13 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06104176?id=NCT06104176&rank=1 ). N° IDRCB: 2022-A02797-36. Protocol version 1.0, 12/05/2023.