title: A Feasibility Study of Virtual Reality-Based Coping Skills Training for Nicotine Dependence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Virtual reality (VR)-based cue reactivity has been successfully used for the assessment of drug craving. Going beyond assessment of cue reactivity, a novel VR-based treatment approach for smoking cessation was developed and tested for feasibility.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a randomized experiment, 10-week treatment feasibility trial, 46 nicotine-dependent adults, completed the10-week program. Virtual reality skills training (VRST) combined with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) was compared to NRT alone. Participants were assessed for smoking behavior and coping skills during, at end of treatment, and at posttreatment follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Smoking rates and craving for nicotine were significantly lower for the VRST group compared to NRT-only group at the end of treatment. Self-confidence and coping skills were also significantly higher for the VRST group, and number of cigarettes smoked was significantly lower, compared to the control group at follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Feasibility of VRST was supported in the current study.
authors.affiliation: Graduate College of Social Work, Virtual Reality Clinical Research lab, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Patrick S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Bordnick
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
authors.forename: Amy C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Traylor
authors.affiliation: Graduate College of Social Work, Virtual Reality Clinical Research lab, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Brian L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.affiliation: CNS Response Corporate Headquarters, Aliso Viejo, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Ken M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Graap
keywords: addictions; behavior therapy; cognitive–behavioral; coping skills; craving; individual intervention; nicotine dependence; quantitative; randomized experiment; virtual reality