UK Invests £12 Million in VR for Addiction Treatment

Researchers in the UK are developing a virtual reality (VR) program aimed at helping individuals overcome cocaine addiction by immersing them in scenarios that trigger cravings, such as being alone or at social events. This initiative, led by Paolo Deluca of King's College London, is part of a £12 million government investment to address drug overdoses, which claim nearly 5,000 lives annually in Britain. The VR program utilizes 'cue exposure treatment' techniques, previously successful in reducing alcohol cravings, to help users rehearse refusal strategies in a controlled environment. Alongside this project, other innovations include wearable technology to monitor overdose risks and alert emergency services. With global drug use rising and new synthetic opioids posing additional dangers, such approaches are critical for effective addiction treatment. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for innovative solutions to combat the escalating addiction crisis worldwide.