| Virtual Reality brings to mind teens behind closed | | | | encounter that produces the same cravings felt in |
| doors for hours on end locked in mortal combat | | | | reality. The Therapist will then use behavior cues |
| with images flashed on hi-tech screens. The | | | | and cognitive therapy to teach the patient how to |
| technology used produces life like videos which | | | | not crave. The patient having successfully |
| mesmerize the viewer or participant. Could this | | | | withstood the test in the game now takes the |
| same technology be used to treat mental health | | | | same cues into the real world. An Audio Cue used |
| disorders and addictions? Researchers at Duke | | | | in the game can be used to control cravings when |
| University have developed a Virtual Reality Video, | | | | they arise. Ultimately an addict will be able to stop |
| they believe, can reduce the cravings of addicts in | | | | craving altogether. |
| search of recovery. Controlling the cravings would | | | | The research is promising but much work still |
| greatly improve the addicts' chance at recovery | | | | needs to be done before addiction treatment |
| and reduce the number of those that relapse. | | | | centers close their doors. Many will find it hard to |
| The Virtual Reality Game would actually (virtually) | | | | believe that the same cravings they have felt can |
| allow a therapist to place a patient in a situation | | | | be simulated in a game. |
| that represents a real life interactive drug | | | | |