Exploring Virtual Reality as a New Frontier in Addiction Therapy
Rising Concerns Over Gambling Among College Students
Problem gambling is an increasing issue on college campuses, as students engage in risky gambling behaviors at significantly higher rates than adults—estimated to be two to four times greater. The widespread availability of internet gambling options, such as online poker rooms, virtual casinos, and sports betting apps, offers young people immediate and continuous access, fueling this troubling trend.
Innovative VR Casino Program at the University of Connecticut
At the University of Connecticut, associate professor Robert Astur from the psychological sciences department has been pioneering an experimental virtual reality (VR) program aimed at addressing gambling addiction. Since January 2024, his team has been conducting a two-week pilot in which students enter a virtual casino environment with the goal of identifying and destroying gambling-related cues.
The early findings are promising: participants report fewer urges to gamble and demonstrate greater control over their risky gambling behavior following the program. Complete data analysis is expected later in the summer, but Astur is optimistic about the VR program’s potential to effectively reduce gambling triggers and influence real-world habits.
VR Therapy Inspired by Previous Success in Addiction Treatment
This VR intervention builds on earlier research from 2009 conducted in partnership with psychology professor Benoit Gerard of the University of Quebec, where VR was used to combat tobacco addiction. In that study, participants were immersed in a virtual setting where they sought out and destroyed cigarettes. Results showed a notable improvement, with a 15% abstinence rate among the VR group compared to only 2% in the control group, alongside reduced nicotine dependence.
The current gambling study aims to further evaluate physiological responses and behavioral changes to determine if the VR exercises can reduce cravings and gambling activity outside the lab.
The Potential Impact of VR on Addiction Treatment
If effective, the VR approach could revolutionize treatment methods for gambling addiction and other compulsive behaviors, including problematic gaming, cannabis use, and smartphone dependence. As Professor Astur explains, “The future of addiction therapy might just be virtual.” The virtual casino, developed in his lab using customized open-source software featuring slot machines and card tables, provides participants with immersive opportunities to confront and eliminate addictive cues.
Senior psychology student Allison Millspaugh demonstrated the approach by virtually smashing slot machines with a hammer and burning blackjack cards using VR controllers, showcasing the interactive nature of the therapy.
Addressing Vulnerability Among Young Adults
Doctoral student Finn Zakas highlights that young adults are particularly susceptible to addiction because their brains are still in development. The study enrolled participants from the university’s student body, who completed follow-up surveys and received small stipends for their involvement.
Professor Astur stresses the seriousness of the issue, noting strong links between gambling addiction and negative outcomes such as depression, increased suicide risk, poor academic performance, and damaged personal relationships. He plans to expand the research beyond the initial 30 participants in the pilot program and aims to publish comprehensive findings in 2025.
