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A virtual reality counterconditioning procedure to reduce methamphetamine cue-induced craving
Yong-Guang Wang1, Meng-Hui Liu2, Zhi-Hua Shen3
1Department of Brain Functioning Research, The Seventh Hospital of Hangzhou, 305 Tianmushan Road, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang Province, China; Anhui Psychiatric Medical Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Drug Abuse Research, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|June 22, 2019
Summary
Virtual reality counterconditioning (VRCP) effectively reduced methamphetamine craving and liking in dependent individuals. This VR-based approach also decreased physiological responses to drug cues, offering a promising treatment strategy.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Virtual Reality Therapy
Background:
- Methamphetamine dependence is a significant public health issue characterized by intense cue-induced craving.
- Traditional treatments face challenges in managing craving triggered by environmental cues.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive environments for therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a virtual reality counterconditioning procedure (VRCP) for methamphetamine dependence.
- To assess the efficacy of VRCP in reducing methamphetamine craving and liking.
- To investigate the impact of VRCP on physiological reactivity to drug cues.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: 31 methamphetamine-dependent patients received VRCP; 29 served as a waitlist control.
- Study 2: 612 abstinent methamphetamine-dependent individuals received computerized VRCP; 276 served as a waitlist control.
- Heart rate variability (HRV) indexes were measured during VR cue exposure.
Main Results:
- VRCP significantly decreased methamphetamine craving and liking scores from baseline to follow-up.
- Participants receiving VRCP showed greater reductions in craving and liking compared to waitlist controls.
- VRCP led to significant reductions in HRV indexes during VR cue exposure.
Conclusions:
- The virtual reality counterconditioning procedure is an effective strategy for suppressing cue-induced reactivity in methamphetamine dependence.
- VRCP shows potential as a novel therapeutic tool for managing methamphetamine use disorder.
- This VR-based intervention may help individuals reduce their physiological and psychological responses to drug-related stimuli.
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