New VR Tool Developed by Breda University to Combat Holiday Drinking Temptations

Challenging Times for Recovering Alcoholics

As the festive season approaches, many people recovering from alcohol addiction face increased challenges. December brings about social gatherings that often intensify the urge to drink. For those committed to sobriety, holiday parties and family celebrations can become daunting, leading to feelings of isolation. Research indicates that a staggering 47% to 75% of individuals may relapse within a year of clinical treatment, highlighting the need for supportive strategies during this stressful season.

Introducing RECOVRY: A VR Solution

In response to these pressing concerns, researchers from Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) have teamed up with Novadic-Kentron and Thalamusa to create an innovative tool designed to assist individuals in resisting the allure of alcohol. Named RECOVRY (RElapse COntrol VR therapY), this program leverages virtual and augmented reality technologies to help users navigate social situations where alcohol can be tempting.

Professor Marnix van Gisbergen from BUas explains the premise of this unique approach: “In our VR sessions, we create realistic settings such as bars and events where users might encounter potential triggers. By exposing participants to these situations in a controlled environment, they can practice refusal skills in a safe space.” This method helps simulate real-world experiences that could otherwise lead to relapse.

Breaking the Cycle of Isolation

One crucial goal of RECOVRY is to break the isolation that many recovering individuals experience, especially during the holiday season. By using simulated environments and interactive avatars, users can engage with virtual representations of social contexts, preparing them to handle real-life challenges with confidence.

Dr. Victor Buwalda, a psychiatrist and former medical director at Novadic-Kentron, emphasizes the comprehensive approach taken by the RECOVRY application: “We combine traditional cue-exposure therapy with cutting-edge VR and AR technologies to create a three-phase process. This begins in a clinical setting, continues with therapist support outside, and ultimately empowers users to manage temptations independently at home.” Early pilots have shown promising results, suggesting that this innovative technique could provide significant benefits for those in recovery.

Future Developments and Broader Applications

Despite initial successes, the team is committed to further enhancing RECOVRY. Future iterations aim to incorporate additional environments, virtual characters, and a diverse array of scenarios. Furthermore, the team plans to address other addictive behaviors, such as smoking, while introducing relaxation environments equipped with breathing exercises to help users de-stress after intensive VR sessions.

Reflecting on the impact thus far, Dr. Buwalda shares, “The preliminary results indicate notable improvements in reducing cravings and boosting self-confidence among participants.” The project leaders are eager to collaborate with BUas, Novadic-Kentron, and Eindhoven University of Technology to examine the long-term effects of this VR intervention on relapse rates in a broader international context.

A Hope for Holiday Celebrations

Van Gisbergen concludes with an optimistic vision for the RECOVRY initiative: “In addition to promoting cost-effective and more effective treatments, our ultimate hope is that RECOVRY can counteract feelings of isolation, allowing patients to enjoy the holiday season with their loved ones while remaining committed to their recovery journey.”

About Breda University of Applied Sciences

Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) stands as a leading international institution specializing in applied research within the fields of digital immersive gaming and media technologies. Through initiatives like RECOVRY, BUas is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to address critical issues in public health and well-being.