Actively Recruiting
Feasibility of Integrating Olfactory Stimuli Into Virtual Reality Cue Exposure for Patients With Alcohol Dependence
Led by Charite University, Berlin, Germany · Updated on 2026-05-12
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
12 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Alcohol dependence (AD) is a prevalent and burdensome clinical condition with high relapse rates. A central risk factor for relapse is craving for alcohol, which can be evoked by both real-world and virtual cues in immersive Virtual Reality (VR). In addition to visual and auditory stimuli, olfactory stimuli are increasingly recognized as important for creating realistic, multisensory VR environments. However, no systematic investigation has yet examined how olfactory stimuli embedded in VR-based Cue Exposure (VR-CE) influence cue-elicited craving. As part of the OLFA-VR (Effects of Olfactory Stimuli in Virtual Reality Cue Exposure on Craving in Alcohol Dependence) research project, the present feasibility study aims to evaluate the feasibility, tolerability and acceptability of implementing olfactory stimuli into VR-CE. In addition, this study not only examines the general feasibility of alcohol-related olfactory stimuli in VR-CE but also explores which specific alcohol-related olfactory stimuli prove to be feasible. The investigators hypothesize that implementing olfactory stimuli into VR-CE will be feasible and tolerable for patients with AD, with no preventable serious side effects caused by VR-CE. The investigators also hypothesize that VR-CE will induce craving in most patients.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Feasibility of Integrating Olfactory Stimuli Into Virtual Reality Cue Exposure for Patients With Alcohol Dependence
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- Diagnosis of alcohol dependence according to ICD-10 (F10.2)
- History of alcohol craving
- Ability to provide written informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Hyposmia (reduced sense of smell)
- Dependence on substances other than alcohol and nicotine
- Current alcohol intoxication confirmed by breath alcohol test
- Inability to understand study information, consent form, or study principles
- Abstinence from alcohol for less than 7 days or ongoing alcohol consumption
- Severe neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia spectrum, bipolar disorder) or significant cognitive impairment
- Serious brain or heart illnesses affecting physiological study measures
- Acute suicidality or acute risk to others
- Current pharmacological treatment targeting alcohol use disorder or craving, or medication significantly influencing heart rate
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Psychiatric University Hospital Charité at St. Hedwig Hospital
Berlin, State of Berlin, Germany, 10115
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
N
Nadja Ruckser, M.Sc.
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
1
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here