Breda University Launches VR Tool to Combat Alcohol Temptation During Holidays

Virtual Reality Tool from Breda University to Resist Alcohol Temptation

As the holiday season approaches, it brings with it both joy and challenges, particularly for individuals recovering from alcohol addiction. This traditionally festive time can also become a significant risk factor for relapse, as social gatherings often heighten anxiety around alcohol use in recovering individuals. Addressing this issue, researchers from Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas), in collaboration with Novadic-Kentron (NK) and Thalamusa, have developed an innovative solution: a Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) tool named RECOVRY (RElapse COntrol VR therapY).

Understanding the Challenge of Holidays for Recovering Individuals

The holiday season is often laden with social pressures that can trigger alcohol cravings, leading some to avoid family gatherings and social events altogether. Studies indicate that between 47% to 75% of individuals relapse within a year of completing inpatient treatment. The stakes are high, and the need for effective support mechanisms is crucial.

Introducing RECOVRY

The RECOVRY project tackles this dilemma by offering immersive training sessions through VR simulations. Designed to mimic real-world scenarios—such as bars and social gatherings—this application trains users to confidently refuse alcohol in potentially triggering situations. Marnix van Gisbergen, a professor at BUas, explains, "We have crafted a variety of VR settings, including bars and social scenarios, where virtual humans present the temptation of drinking. Moreover, AR allows these triggers to appear in the patient's own homes, making practice more relevant and accessible."

The Science Behind the Tool

This innovative approach is a blend of traditional exposure therapy, along with modern technological advancements in VR and AR. Dr. Victor Buwalda, a psychiatrist and former medical director at Novadic-Kentron, elaborates, "The RECOVRY application unfolds in three key phases: initial implementation in clinical settings, followed by therapeutic assistance outside the clinic, and finally, preventive training at home without a therapist. We have seen successful trials with clients undergoing treatment at Novadic-Kentron, alongside preventive tests with former clients."

Continuous Development for Greater Impact

Despite positive preliminary outcomes, the developers of RECOVRY are not resting on their laurels. Van Gisbergen states, "We are in the process of enhancing the application by introducing more diverse environments, virtual characters, and interaction scenarios. Our focus is expanding to include other forms of addiction, such as smoking, and we aim to incorporate relaxation exercises to help users decompress after their VR training sessions."

Global and Long-term Ambitions

According to Dr. Buwalda, initial results are promising, showcasing significant improvements in reducing withdrawal symptoms and building self-confidence in users. The next phase of research aims to examine the long-term effects of the RECOVRY program on relapse rates in an international context, collaborating with BUas, NK, and Eindhoven University of Technology. Van Gisbergen anticipates, "In addition to creating more cost-effective treatment options, we fundamentally hope that RECOVRY will alleviate social isolation, enabling recovering patients to enjoy the holiday season with their loved ones."

Conclusion

The initiative by Breda University represents a significant stride towards blending technology with addiction treatment. By using immersive environments to empower recovering individuals, RECOVRY seeks to transform how support is provided during the inherently challenging holiday period, ensuring no individual feels alone in their journey towards sobriety.

About Breda University of Applied Sciences

Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) stands as a pioneering institution focused on applied science in the realm of immersive digital gaming and media technologies. With a commitment to advancing educational and therapeutic strategies, BUas continues to make impactful contributions in fields relevant to mental health and social wellbeing.