Digitalization opens up new, practical possibilities for psychotherapy – even in an area that is particularly challenging: the treatment of addiction disorders. In a recent professional webinar, Carola Epple, media scientist, psychologist, and founder of Lab E, presented promising ways to integrate Virtual Reality (VR) into addiction therapy. The focus was on two central goals: relapse prevention and the development of therapeutic resources through immersive, digital interventions.
VR as Therapy Support in Relapse Prevention
In Germany, around eight million people live with an addiction. Relapses are part of the typical course – making therapies that can realistically train risk situations all the more important. This is exactly where VR comes in: The technology allows for the simulation of situations like pub visits, peer pressure, or everyday consumption triggers in a safe, controllable environment.
Patients can be specifically confronted with individual triggers under the guidance of their therapists and can practice functional coping strategies in a practical and repeated manner. This principle of virtual exposure therapy (VRET) is well-researched clinically: studies show a significant reduction in cravings, improved relapse control, and positive effects on abstinence stability – both for alcohol and nicotine addiction as well as for other substance-related and non-substance-related disorders.
(Segawa, T., Baudry, T., Bourla, A., Blanc, J.V., Peretti, C.S., & Mouchabac, S. (2020). Virtual Reality (VR) in Assessment and Treatment of Addictive Disorders: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14:140. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00140)
Integration into Therapy Practice
Modern VR systems are now practical for everyday use: They are wireless, lightweight, easy to operate – and work offline. This means they can be used not only in therapy rooms but also in mobile settings, such as counseling centers, day clinics, or even during home visits.
The handling is incredibly simple: With a click, patients start a VR session, while therapists can follow along live on a tablet and intervene or control as needed. Particularly practical: The scenarios can be adjusted in intensity and complexity – ideal for a progressive confrontation with relevant triggers.
Simple application – in three steps
The VR interventions are therapeutically embedded and accompanied. The process is divided into three coordinated phases:
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Preparation
Clarification of goals, selection of suitable scenarios, and psychoeducation prepare patients for the VR experience. -
Implementation
In the VR session, patients experience controlled addiction pressure situations. They train strategies such as reframing, impulse control, or mindful self-instruction – always under the supervision of the therapists. -
Debriefing
The session is reflected upon and applied to everyday life. The goal is to transfer the skills tested in VR to real contexts.
VR as a Component of Modern Addiction Therapy Concepts
Virtual Reality hat sich in der Suchtbehandlung längst über den Innovationsstatus hinausentwickelt. Sie ist heute eine wissenschaftlich fundierte, therapeutisch wirksame und niedrigschwellige Ergänzung klassischer Verfahren. Ob in stationären, teilstationären oder ambulanten Settings – VR wird zunehmend zum Bestandteil moderner Behandlungskonzepte.
For the recording and download of the webinar materials:
https://virtuallythere.lpages.co/download-webinar-vr-und-sucht/
