Virtual Reality (VR) NATURE - Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Virtual Reality Nature Immersion to Reduce Depression in People Engaged in Intensive Outpatient Alcohol Treatment

This pilot randomized clinical trial will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) nature intervention among adults with at least moderate depression symptoms enrolled in an intensive outpatient Program (IOP) for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

The study hypotheses:

• VR-based nature immersion will be feasible, acceptable, and positively evaluated by participants
• Participants receiving the VR intervention will report greater reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to those receiving standard care alone

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with a documented AUD diagnosis
• Individuals enrolled in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) (First week enrollment or planned enrollment in Michigan Medicine's Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS) IOP)
• Individuals with a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score (≥10, moderate or greater depression symptoms)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe motion sickness or sensitivity to VR-induced nausea or dizziness (anticipated <10%), medical contraindications to VR use (e.g., seizure disorders, vestibular disorders, agoraphobia, claustrophobia, psychosis).
• Significant cognitive impairments that prevent provision of informed consent
• Suicidal ideation or plan after consultation with treating clinician
• Participants who require vision correction with glasses, unless vision correction is mild (±1), or the participant does not have prescription contact lenses.