Led by Professor Victoria Manning, the innovative pilot study will explore the use of virtual reality (VR) to transform addiction treatment during alcohol withdrawal.

The next-generation intervention will use VR-delivered Approach Bias Modification (VR-ABM) to retrain the brain’s automatic responses to alcohol-related cues.

Unlike traditional laptop or smartphone versions, VR-ABM harnesses the power of immersive environments and embodied interaction, allowing participants to physically “avoid” alcohol while moving toward positive, healthy cues in real time.

Conducted in partnership with Uniting Vic. Tas and St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, the trial is currently recruiting inpatients undergoing alcohol withdrawal treatment.

It will assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential of this cutting-edge intervention in reducing relapse after people are discharged.

Funded by an NHMRC Synergy Grant, this study marks a major step forward in combining neuroscience, technology, and clinical care to tackle alcohol dependence.

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