The project draws on the experiences of drug users to create tailored 3D experiences, such as being alone in a flat or at a party with friends, where people can be immersed via a VR headset in realistic situations that trigger the urge to take drugs.
Studies have shown that “cue exposure treatment” can substantially reduce cravings and relapse in recovering alcoholics, but the approach has not been fully tested as a potential treatment for cocaine addiction.
Lead researcher Paolo Deluca, a professor of addiction research at King's College London, said the VR world should help users break the association between tempting scenarios and their cocaine use, and give them time to practise strategies for refusing drugs.
“We are trying to better understand the scenarios, the cues and interactions, that trigger cravings in people who use cocaine,” he said. The work is one of 11 projects announced today as part of a £12m government investment to reduce drug overdoses through virtual reality, artificial intelligence and wearable technology.
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin October 18, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin October 18, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
This one will mean something different. I'm doing it for me now'
The big interview Joseph Parker New Zealander believes upsetting Daniel Dubois on Saturday to claim the IBF world heavyweight title would be his greatest achievement yet
'We are one' Sudanese refugees find sanctuary with their neighbours
At the Joda border crossing between Sudan and South Sudan, movement is constant. Just 100 metres separate the two border checkpoints - on the Sudanese side, three raised flags welcome newcomers; on the South Sudanese side, a sign in Arabic and English marks the entrance to the country.
No chilling effect
Watchdog chief embraces new focus on growth
Clubs will disappear Grassroots rugby still crying out for help in shadow of Six Nations riches
ou may have noticed that the sports pages are less, well, sporty than they once were.
'Buckle up and enjoy the ride' Van Dijk calls on Liverpool to calm nerves and relish title race
Van Dijk calls on Liverpool to calm nerves and relish title race
Julianne Moore children's book under 'ideology' review in US
Julianne Moore has said it is a \"great shock\" to learn that one of her books has been \"banned by the Trump administration\" from schools serving the children of US military personnel and civilian defence employees.
Rise in teenagers penalised for riding e-scooters
Electric scooters have been blamed for a surge in children being penalised for driving without insurance.
Push to free Letby 'not right thing to do', says Streeting
Wes Streeting has said \"waging a campaign\" on behalf of Lucy Letby is \"not the right thing to do\".
Misogyny and mind games: Murdoch family rifts exposed in rare interview
More of the Murdoch family's betrayals, leaks, \"mind games\", manipulations and humiliations have been laid bare, after a messy court trial that offered tantalising glimpses inside the dynasty.
Bringing wolves back to Scotland could restore woodland - study
Reintroducing wolves in the Scottish Highlands could lead to an expansion of native woodland, which could take in and store 1m tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, researchers have suggested.
