Journal article
Applications of Immersive Virtual Reality for Illicit Substance Use: A Systematic Review
Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, Vol.85(2), pp.158-167
03/01/2024
DOI: 10.15288/jsad.23-00189
PMCID: PMC13166172
PMID: 38206672
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to review applications of immersive, head -mounted display (HMD)-delivered virtual reality (VR) technology for the assessment and modification of clinically relevant factors (e.g., craving, electrophysiological reactions, brain activation) present in illicit substance use. Method: A PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta -Analyses) -guided systematic review was conducted and retrieved articles from four databases. Articles included were peer -reviewed, empirical studies and were screened on criteria pertaining to sample using (or with a history of using) substances and measurement of substance -related factors. Results: Eighteen articles met inclusion criteria. Applications of immersive, HMD-delivered VR in assessment and modification were most prevalent among individuals using (or with a history of using) methamphetamine and targeted subjective craving, electrophysiological biomarkers (e.g., heart rate variability,skin conductance), and brain activity. Environments presented through VR involved substance -relevant cues (e.g., paraphernalia) and neuropsychological assessments. The majority of assessment studies elicited clinically relevant factor(s) present in illicit substance use through VR and all reviewed modi fi cation studies effectively reduced clinically relevant factors in methamphetamine and opioid use (e.g., craving, subjective pain). Conclusions: There is evidence to support the use of immersive, HMD-delivered VR in the assessment and modi fi cation of clinically relevant factors in methamphetamine use, as well as preliminary evidence to support its effectiveness for clinically relevant factors in opioid use. Future research should further examine the effectiveness of HMD-delivered VR in modifying illicit substance use and triangulate biomarkers measured in individuals using illicit substances.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Applications of Immersive Virtual Reality for Illicit Substance Use: A Systematic Review
- Creators
- Jake Samora - The University of Texas at AustinHaelim Jeong - University of AlabamaFiona N. Conway - The University of Texas at AustinKasey R. Claborn - The University of Texas at Austin
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, Vol.85(2), pp.158-167
- DOI
- 10.15288/jsad.23-00189
- PMID
- 38206672
- PMCID
- PMC13166172
- NLM abbreviation
- J Stud Alcohol Drugs
- ISSN
- 1937-1888
- eISSN
- 1938-4114
- Publisher
- Alcohol Res Documentation Inc Cent Alcohol Stud Rutgers Univ
- Number of pages
- 10
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 03/01/2024
- Academic Unit
- School of Social Work; Center for Social Science Innovation
- Record Identifier
- 9985013726502771
Metrics
6 Record Views