'Virtual reality' treatment shows promise for alcoholism

Real-world applications: Researchers say virtual reality treatments hold promise in breaking the cycle of addiction for alcoholics, but that further study is needed. Photo: AFP

A form of "virtual reality" therapy might help treat alcohol addiction, suggests a preliminary study from South Korea. 

The study involved only 10 patients with alcohol dependence. But senior researcher Dr Doug Hyun Han of Chung-Ang University Hospital in Seoul and colleagues think the approach might be promising, in part because it puts patients in situations similar to real life and requires their active participation.