Could Virtual Reality Treat Alcoholism?
From: Medical Design Technology - 06/24/2015

A form of "virtual-reality" therapy may help people with alcohol dependence
reduce their craving for alcohol, a new study suggests.

The findings, published in the July issue of the Journal of Studies on
Alcohol and Drugs, come from a small study of just 10 patients. But
researchers said they are optimistic about the potential for virtual reality
as a therapy for alcohol use disorders.

Virtual-reality therapy has been used to treat phobias and posttraumatic
stress disorder. The idea is to expose people to situations that trigger fear
and anxiety, in a safe and controlled space. Then, hopefully, they learn to
better manage those situations in real life.

However, larger, long-term studies are still needed to show whether virtual
reality ultimately helps patients remain abstinent and avoid relapses. 

Read the entire article at:
http://www.mdtmag.com/news/2015/06/could-virtual-reality-treat-alcoholism

Links:
Virtual Reality Therapy for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: A
  Preliminary Investigation With Positron Emission Tomography / Computerized
  Tomography
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/278968774_Virtual_Reality_Therapy_for_the_Treatment_of_Alcohol_Dependence_A_Preliminary_Investigation_With_Positron_Emission_TomographyComputerized_Tomography

Journal of Studies on Alcohol
http://www.jsad.com/