Repeated exposure to triggers that encourage someone to pick up a bottle of beer or indulge in recreational drug use can make it difficult for a person to maintain their sobriety. At-home therapeutic virtual reality programs are becoming more prevalent and may be prescribed by a doctor who is treating a person who wishes to abstain from drug use.

Support With Withdrawals

Virtual reality gear that is designed for use with a clinical care program may feature prerecorded video segments or software components that will expose someone to a realistic setting that will induce a relaxing state. This therapeutic method may be the first stage of a virtual reality treatment regimen.

Sweating, dry mouth, shaking, and nausea are some common side effects attached to drug withdrawals. Although observing a tranquil scene that is featured through a VR reality program will not stop withdrawal symptoms entirely, a program may help take one's mind off of the withdrawal symptoms that they are experiencing.

A Distraction For Cravings

Cravings can occur when watching a television program, while using social media, while sitting idly, or during any other daily activity. Cravings may grow stronger if a targeted avoidance plan hasn't been put into place. Using a VR program that features entertaining scenes can help a person reconnect with all of the sights and sounds that they enjoyed before they began using drugs.

Some virtual reality programs that clinics use may contain an interactive component. An end-user may be presented with multiple situations that will help them make smart choices. First, they may be shown a series of panoramic views that will allow them to indulge in a positive scenario that is healthy. Next, they may be presented with some VR scenes that are related to when they were actively using a drug.

For instance, if a recovering alcoholic is enrolled in an at-home VR program, they may be presented with bar scenes and other social scenes that are associated with imbibing alcohol. An end-user will be able to make quick decisions about how they would react if they were actually present in a similar situation.

This type of therapeutic method allows a recovering addict to experiment with different social scenes and outcomes. A clinician may monitor a patient's use of a program. They may assign a patient to use a program and then check back with them to discuss how it has helped them manage their cravings. 

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