A pilot study of virtual reality for inpatients with opioid use disorder.

Background And Objectives: While inpatient withdrawal management/acute stabilization can improve outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), patients often leave treatment early due to mood, tension, and cravings associated with opioid withdrawal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a novel virtual reality (VR) based intervention; 3D Therapy Thrive (3DTT).

Methods: Subjects with OUD (N = 32) were recruited from a community acute stabilization program and received up to two sessions of 3DTT.

A systematic review of virtual reality therapies for substance use disorders: Impact on secondary treatment outcomes.

Background And Objectives: Virtual reality (VR) therapy may be an effective tool in treating urges and cravings in substance use disorder (SUD). Given the high co-occurrence of difficulties with mood, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation with SUD, this review sought to examine the extant literature on the efficacy of VR for SUD in improving these secondary treatment outcomes.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines in PubMed, PsychInfo, and Embase.