NCT06302413 · Indiana University
Enhancing Prospective Thinking in Early Recovery (HOME)
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What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to use a novel virtual reality intervention to test for effectiveness in reducing alcohol use and increasing abstinence, with concomitant increases in future self-identification, future time perspective, and delay-of-reward, in early recovering alcohol use disorder (AUD) persons.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to use a novel virtual reality intervention to test for efficacy in reducing alcohol use and increasing abstinence, with concomitant increases in future self-identification, future time perspective, and delay-of-reward, in early recovering alcohol use disorder (AUD) persons. The main question\[s\] this trial aims to answer are: Will the Virtual Reality (VR) intervention decrease the number of stimulant use days? Will the VR intervention produce longer abstinence periods during follow-up visits? Will the VR intervention increase alcohol abstinence rates? Will the VR intervention increase future self-identification? Will the VR intervention increase self-reported future time perspective? Will the VR intervention increase preference for delayed rewards in a laboratory delay discounting task on the study day? Will the VR intervention produce gains in the behavioral effects of future self-identification, future time perspective, and delayed rewards at the 30-day and 6-month follow-ups? Researchers will compare the experimental and control groups to see if there are differences in the results for the questions outlined above.
Interventions
DEVICE
Virtual Reality
They will receive a Virtual Reality Park experience, which is an empty park with no avatars. They will then have a Virtual Reality Avatar experience, where they will see an avatar resembling themselves in a park setting.
DEVICE
Virtual Reality
They will receive a Virtual Reality Park experience, which is an empty park with no avatars.
Primary outcome measures
Reduced Use of Drug Using Days
Time frame: Day 2-Study Day Visit; 30-day Follow-up Visit; 6-month Follow-up Visit
The Virtual Reality Avatar experience will reduce drug using days.
Increased Length of Abstinence
Time frame: Day 2-Study Day Visit; 30-day Follow-up Visit; 6-month Follow-up Visit.
The Virtual Reality Avatar experience will increase the length of abstinence periods.
Increased (overall) Abstinence
Time frame: Day 2-Study Day Visit; 30-day Follow-up Visit; 6-month Follow-up Visit.
The Virtual Reality Avatar experience will increase abstinence.
Future Self-identification with Future Self Continuity Questionnaire
Time frame: Day 2-Study Day Visit; 30-day Follow-up Visit; 6-month Follow-up Visit
The Virtual Reality Avatar experience will increase future self-identification.
Future Time Perspective with the Delayed Discounting Behavioral Task and Future Self Continuity Questionnaire
Time frame: Day 2-Study Day Visit; 30-day Follow-up Visit; 6-month Follow-up Visit.
The Virtual Reality Avatar experience will increase future time perspective.
Delayed Reward Preference with the Delayed Discounting Behavioral Task
Time frame: Day 2-Study Day Visit; 30-day Follow-up Visit; 6-month Follow-up Visit.
The Virtual Reality Avatar experience will increase preference for delayed rewards.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Abstinence between ≥14 days and ≤1 year
- Verbal endorsement of commitment to recovery
- Psychotropic drugs for SUD-comorbidity
- Drug/alcohol abstinence ≥ 24 hours at the time of the study day visit
- English comprehension
Exclusion criteria
- Unstable medical disorders
- Habitual drug use
- Mu-opioid drugs
- Smell/taste disorders
- Unstable psychiatric conditions
- Extravagant/elaborate face tattoos
Where
- Indianapolis, Indiana
Collaborators
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations