Mindfulness Meditation in Virtual Reality to Reduce Smoking Craving and Help Stop Smoking Randomized Study Comparing Virtual Reality Sessions and Nicotine Replacement Therapy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a non-drug approach using a mindfulness meditation program delivered through virtual reality to help reduce craving and prevent smoking relapse. The study focuses on adults with tobacco use disorder, testing whether practicing mindfulness in virtual reality can lower cravings triggered by cues and stress, leading to longer-term smoking cessation. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the mindfulness virtual reality group or the standard nicotine replacement therapy group. The experimental group will attend six weekly sessions in a multisensory virtual reality pod, with environments designed to guide relaxation, expose participants to addiction-related cues, and simulate stressful situations. The control group will receive the gold standard treatment of nicotine patches and chewing gum for three months. After the treatment period, participants in both groups will have follow-up visits at three and six months to assess smoking relapse. During the study, participants will undergo evaluations at baseline, day 90, and day 180 to monitor smoking status and relapse rates. Researchers will measure relapse at three and six months as their main outcomes. The study includes assessments to ensure safety, such as screening for cardiac conditions in the experimental group. Total participation lasts about six months, with ongoing monitoring to understand the effects of mindfulness meditation delivered via virtual reality on smoking behavior.

Effects of Mindfulness Meditation in Virtual Reality on Craving and Smoking Cessation