Introduction

In a groundbreaking development from Indiana University School of Medicine, researchers are harnessing the power of virtual reality (VR) to combat drug addiction. Founded by a team of expert clinicians and researchers, the startup RelateXR is innovating treatment methods by helping users forge a deeper connection with their future selves—an essential tool in overcoming addiction.

RelateXR's Virtual Reality Application

RelateXR's virtual reality application allows recovering users to envision their lives both with and without substance use. "There is a large body of evidence that indicates people with addictions struggle to link with their personal futures," explains Dr. Brandon Oberlin, founder and assistant professor at the university. "Behavioral economics suggests they tend to devalue their future compared to those without addiction issues."

Remedial Imagination Training

The technology offers what the team describes as "remedial imagination training." Users create personalized avatars based on their own images and voices, which lets them journey 15 years into the future to meet two possible outcomes of their lives: one flourishing in recovery and another trapped in addiction. "We all have an infinite number of possible futures," Oberlin emphasizes.

Clinical Trials and Findings

With nearly $5 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health, RelateXR is currently undergoing clinical trials. Preliminary studies have tested the app on around 71 users, demonstrating an increase in self-efficacy—an important indicator for recovery—within just 30 days.

Public Health Challenge of the Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis remains a dire public health challenge, leading to over 96,000 overdose deaths annually in the U.S., with opioids involved in 70% of these fatalities. Although there has been a slight dip in drug-related deaths from 2022 to 2023, drug overdoses stemming from substances like cocaine and methamphetamine continue to rise, highlighting the urgent need for innovative interventions like RelateXR.

Connecting with Potential Future Selves

With the app, users explore daily choices associated with sobriety and visualize fulfilling alternatives—rebuilding relationships, pursuing educational goals, or engaging in new activities. "The key is to connect individuals with their potential future selves in a vivid, realistic manner," Oberlin notes. "This enhances pro-social decision-making, an aspect often missing in those grappling with addiction."

The Team Behind RelateXR

The team behind RelateXR boasts impressive backgrounds, including Andrew Nelson, a tech expert with a gaming startup, and Izzy Branham, who drives business development and has previous experience in tech entrepreneurship. Their collaborative work with individuals in early recovery has underscored the app's effectiveness, demonstrating significant improvements in user confidence regarding their sobriety.

Future Plans and Market Positioning

As the founders prepare to seek FDA clearance to categorize RelateXR as a medical device, they hope to price it competitively with medication-assisted therapies, which are currently the gold standard for treating opioid use disorders. They envision implementing the app in treatment centers and therapists' offices as a complement to existing recovery programs, such as 12-step initiatives.

User Testimonials

In an encouraging response to this innovation, many treatment centers are eager to explore pioneering methods. A recovering addict, once skeptical of treatment facilities, expressed hope in the app’s promise, stating, "It only requires me to trust myself—and that's the only voice I will listen to."

Conclusion

With its innovative approach and strong clinical backing, RelateXR aims to redefine addiction treatment, potentially leading users towards healthier futures free from the bonds of substance abuse. The hopeful perspectives it brings not only amplify personal growth but also stand as a testament to the power of technology in transforming lives.