Virtual reality therapy goes global

Buy photos » Swanswell’s pioneering therapy puts users into virtual reality scenarios including a bar scene where the choices made affect the final outcome. (s)

ADDICTION charity Swanswell's pioneering virtual reality therapy has been showcased on the world stage.

The Corporation Street-based charity earlier this year revealed to the Observer its ground-breaking attempts to use virtual reality software in the fight against drug and alcohol misuse.

And this month it demonstrated its work to the world at the 9th International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technologies in Laval, France.

Developed in partnership with the University of Reading, the technology gives users who struggle with more traditional therapies the chance to access a series of computer-based scenarios.

Using a virtual reality headset and controller, users make their way through the scenes and have to make decisions which impact on what happens next.

Scenarios include a flat and a bar where drugs and alcohol are available.

It aims to identify triggers to their drug or alcohol use. This can then lead to helping users develop coping skills.

Swanswell's Liam North, who presented the project to the conference, said: "We were delighted to be sharing what we know with many other academics and specialists involved in changing people’s lives for the better.

"Swanswell believes virtual therapies such as this can play a big part in the treatment and recovery of many more of those affected by substance misuse in the future, so we’re really excited about using more of this technology moving forward."

Visit www.swanswell.org to find out more.

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