Authors: (including presenting author): :
Wong WT(1), Ip CK(1), Tse CY(1), Ng KK(1), Wong CP(1), Yau KW(1), Yiu HL(1), Chan KYG(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Psychiatry, Tai Po Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Virtual reality
Keyword 2: :
cue-exposure therapy
Keyword 3: :
Substance abuse
Keyword 4: :
Alcoholic dependence
Keyword 5: :
in-patient service
Introduction: :
The integration of virtual reality (VR) in psychiatry has transformed mental healthcare, particularly in treating substance use disorders. VR-based cue-exposure therapy (CET) is emerging as an effective method for reducing cravings by safely exposing patients to substance-related cues in a controlled environment. This approach enables patients to practice coping mechanisms and skills training without the risk of actual substance use, promoting abstinence from drugs and alcohol use. Since September 2025, TPH has pioneered the use of VR technology in psychiatric wards for in-patients with substance abuse issues, marking a significant advancement in treatment modalities. The VR program focuses on enhancing self-efficacy, building coping skills, and modifying cravings, offering a novel therapeutic avenue. This paper illustrates the effectiveness and innovative application of VR-CET, highlighting its potential to improve treatment outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction.
Objectives: :
- Enhance patient’s self-efficacy in detoxification - Motivate the change of patient’s belief and attitude towards substance towards substance - Help patient with craving reduction by creating safe and immersive environment
Methodology: :
With the support of the Fung Ying Seen Koon Fund, four VR sets featuring a tailored program called "解毒之旅" have been developed for patients with substance use disorders and alcohol dependence. Eligible patients provide verbal consent after receiving an information sheet. Following assessment by their case doctor, the patients will participate in 2 to 4 VR sessions conducted by program nurses, which include pre-session briefings and post-session interviews. Progress will be reviewed regularly in multidisciplinary meetings. Patients wear head-mounted displays to immerse themselves in a computer-generated environment that features 3D representations, enhancing perception and interaction. The program incorporates “Design and Animation of 9 Classes of Psychoactive Drug Effects” within two tailored VR scenarios. Nurses select relevant substances based on each patient’s history to create high-risk situations, exposing them to cues and adverse experiences. Through VR assistance, nurses assess patients and provide training to help them manage cravings, boost confidence in detoxification, and improve coping skills. This pilot study, conducted over four months, employed a pretest-posttest design. Three assessment tools—the Drug Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES), the Belief and Attitudes of Substance Abuse Inventory (BASAI), and self-reported craving levels—were analyzed using paired t-tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.
Result & Outcome: :
As of December 31, 2025, a total of 32 patients were recruited for VR-CET and valid for evaluation. In Drug Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES), patients demonstrated a significant change of scores from pre-intervention (M=72.22, SD=5.00) to post-intervention (M=76.97, SD=4.32; t(31)=8.043, p< .001). This indicates an increase in self-efficacy for effective coping skills and relapse prevention techniques after the VR program. In Belief and Attitudes of Substance Abuse Inventory (BASAI), patients showed a significant increase in scores from baseline (M=2.78, SD=0.35) to post-intervention (M=3.21, SD=0.28; t(31)=9.19, p< .001). These results indicate a significant improvement in beliefs and attitudes against substance abuse. In Craving level, significant effects in decreasing their craving levels (t(31)=14.876, p< .001). The mean scores from baseline (M=17.13, SD=2.46) was changed to post-intervention (M=11.75, SD=2.37). Paired t-tests indicated a significant effect in craving reduction.
