Avatar Therapy for Cannabis Use Disorder

(Avatar-CUD Trial)

Not currently recruiting at 1 trial location

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal

Disqualifiers: Neurological disorders, Severe physical illness, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 11

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new Virtual Reality (VR) therapy for individuals with Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) who also have psychotic or mood disorders, such as schizophrenia or depression. The goal is to determine if this VR therapy, known as Avatar Therapy, can reduce cannabis cravings, lessen the severity of the disorder, and improve quality of life. Participants will engage in weekly VR sessions using avatars over eight weeks to address their cannabis cravings. This trial may suit those over 18 who struggle with cannabis use and have been diagnosed with conditions like schizophrenia or major depression. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative therapy methods that could significantly enhance quality of life.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are receiving ongoing treatment specifically for cannabis use disorder, you would not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that this Avatar Intervention is safe for patients with cannabis use disorder?

Research has shown that the Avatar Intervention for cannabis use disorder is promising in terms of safety and effectiveness. In one study with 19 participants who had both severe mental disorders and cannabis use disorder, the intervention was well-tolerated. Participants reduced their cannabis use and reported a better quality of life.

Initial findings suggest the therapy does not cause serious negative effects. Instead, it seems to help people use safer strategies, potentially leading to fewer problems from cannabis use. This suggests the intervention is safe to try, especially in a controlled setting like a clinical trial.

Overall, there isn't strong evidence of harm, and many have found the experience helpful. However, participants should always discuss any concerns with the trial team. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Avatar Therapy for Cannabis Use Disorder because it introduces a novel approach using virtual reality and avatars to help reduce cannabis cravings. Unlike traditional treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication, this intervention immerses users in a controlled virtual environment where they can confront and manage their cravings in real-time. This innovative method not only provides a unique, interactive experience but also has the potential to enhance engagement and motivation among users, offering a fresh alternative to existing therapeutic options.

What evidence suggests that this Avatar Intervention is effective for Cannabis Use Disorder?

Research has shown that using avatars in virtual reality can help reduce cannabis use. In a small study, participants used less cannabis and felt their addiction was less severe, also reporting a better quality of life. This trial will test the Avatar Intervention, which involves virtual reality sessions over 8 consecutive weeks, to help reduce cravings related to cannabis use. This suggests that virtual avatars might offer a promising new way to assist people with cannabis use disorder, especially those with serious mental health issues. Overall, the evidence supports this innovative approach. ^{2 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Stéphane Potvin, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Montreal, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal

Alexandre Dumais, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Montreal, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal

Robert-Paul Juster

Principal Investigator

University of Montreal, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 with severe mental health disorders like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depression who also have Cannabis Use Disorder as defined by the DSM-5. Participants must not be currently receiving treatment for CUD or detoxifying from cannabis and should not have neurological issues or unstable physical illnesses.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depression.

Exclusion Criteria

Ongoing pharmacological or psychological treatment for CUD

Ongoing detoxification for cannabis withdrawal

I have a neurological disorder.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo Avatar Intervention for Cannabis Use Disorder using virtual reality and avatars

8 weeks

8 visits (in-person, weekly sessions)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in cannabis use, quality of life, and psychiatric symptoms

12 months

Assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Avatar Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests a new Virtual Reality (VR) Avatar Intervention aimed at reducing cannabis use and its associated problems in patients with certain psychotic and mood disorders. The focus is on seeing if this intervention can lessen the severity of CUD and improve quality of life.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental: Avatar Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Avatar Intervention will take place over 8 consecutive weeks, with one session per week. Each session will last approximately 60 minutes. The goal of the intervention will be to help you reduce cravings related to your cannabis use with the use of virtual reality and avatars.

Avatar Intervention is already approved in Canada for the following indications:

Approved in Canada as Avatar Intervention for:

• Cannabis Use Disorder in patients with psychotic disorders

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal

Lead Sponsor

Trials

81

Recruited

6,400+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11612600/

Avatar Intervention in Virtual Reality for Cannabis Use ... Our research team developed avatar intervention, an approach using virtual reality as a therapeutic tool to treat CUD in individuals with SMD.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05726617

Avatar Intervention for the Treatment of Cannabis Use ... The primary outcomes are reductions in cannabis use, cannabis use disorder severity, and increased quality of life.

3. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2075-4426/13/5/766

Avatar Intervention for Cannabis Use Disorder in ... This pilot clinical trial aimed to evaluate the short-term efficacity of avatar intervention for CUD on 19 participants with a dual diagnosis of SMD and CUD.

4. ctv.veeva.com ctv.veeva.com/study/rct-comparing-avatar-intervention-to-supportive-intervention-to-reduce-cannabis-use-in-patients-with

RCT Comparing Avatar Intervention to Supportive Intervention ... Hence, the primary outcomes are reductions in cannabis use, cannabis use disorder severity, and increased quality of life.

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/370460575_Avatar_Intervention_for_Cannabis_Use_Disorder_in_Individuals_with_Severe_Mental_Disorders_A_Pilot_Study

(PDF) Avatar Intervention for Cannabis Use Disorder in ... Results showed significant reductions in the quantity of cannabis consumed and severity of cannabis use disorder, as well as an improvement in ...

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39602812/?utm_source=SimplePie&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=None&utm_content=1LK5GZMdRGzNtgrsjxIWuBjam8ITiXkpCCFF4CGQ_0XWVBZ59w&fc=None&ff=20250131020305&v=2.18.0.post9+e462414

Avatar Intervention in Virtual Reality for Cannabis Use ... Overall, this unique intervention shows promising results that seem to be maintained up to 12 months after the end of the intervention.

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07112261

Avatar Therapy in Virtual Reality for Treatment-Resistant ... The Avatar Intervention will take place over 10 consecutive weeks, with one session per week. Each session will last approximately 60 minutes.