Open AccessReview Virtual Reality-Assisted Cognitive Behavioural Interventions for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Scoping Review of Therapeutic Mechanisms with Potential Implications for Anxiety, Depression, and Precision Digital Mental Health 1 Fernando Pessoa School of Health, Fernando Pessoa Education and Culture Foundation, 4200-256 Porto, Portugal 2 RISE-Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, 4200-256 Porto, Portugal 3 School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, The Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA:E), 4910-023 Viana do Castelo, Portugal 4 CEISUC—Centre for Health Studies and Research, University of Coimbra, 3004-512 Coimbra, Portugal 5 Porto Nursing School (ESEP), Center for Health Technology and Services Research (HealthRISE), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal 6 Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Psychiatry Int. 2026, 7(3), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7030129 (registering DOI) Submission received: 2 April 2026 / Revised: 28 April 2026 / Accepted: 26 May 2026 / Published: 8 June 2026 Abstract Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major public health concern frequently associated with anxiety and depressive disorders, highlighting the need for innovative and personalised mental health interventions. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a digital tool that may support cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) by enabling immersive and controlled exposure to relevant stimuli. Methods: This scoping review aimed to map how VR is integrated into CBT-oriented interventions for adults with AUD, with a focus on therapeutic mechanisms and their potential relevance for precision digital mental health. The review followed Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection for studies published in the last ten years in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Two independent reviewers performed screening and data extraction. Results: Eight studies were included, encompassing approaches such as cue exposure, simulation of high-risk environments, and covert sensitisation. The studies explored mechanisms including craving induction and regulation, identification of individual triggers, emotional processing, and enhancement of self-efficacy. The evidence base was characterised by small sample sizes, heterogeneous designs, and limited longitudinal data. Conclusions: This review provides a structured mapping of current applications of VR within CBT frameworks for AUD and highlights key therapeutic mechanisms that may have transdiagnostic relevance. However, the existing evidence remains preliminary, and findings should be interpreted with caution. The results support the exploration of VR within emerging precision digital mental health approaches, while underscoring the need for further rigorous and standardised research. 1. Introduction The mechanisms targeted by VR-assisted interventions—such as cue reactivity, emotional dysregulation, avoidance behaviours, and maladaptive cognitive patterns—are not exclusive to alcohol use disorder (AUD) but are also central to anxiety and depressive disorders. These shared processes are widely recognised within transdiagnostic frameworks, which emphasise common underlying mechanisms across mental health conditions rather than disorder-specific symptoms [ 2, 3]. These features align with emerging models of precision digital mental health, which aim to tailor interventions to individual characteristics, behavioural patterns, and environmental triggers [ 4]. Through the simulation of personalised high-risk situations and adaptive therapeutic environments, VR may support more targeted and flexible interventions across different mental health conditions. However, despite this conceptual overlap, the current evidence base remains limited to studies conducted in populations with alcohol use disorder. Therefore, the extent to which these findings can be generalised to other psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, remains uncertain and should be interpreted with caution. At present, the available evidence is largely exploratory and should be considered primarily for feasibility and hypothesis generation rather than for established clinical effectiveness. Previous systematic reviews have examined VR-based interventions in substance use disorders, primarily focusing on effectiveness outcomes and exposure paradigms [ 11]. However, the existing literature is characterised by considerable heterogeneity in study designs, intervention types, and targeted mechanisms, as well as small sample sizes and limited longitudinal evidence. In this context, a scoping review is particularly appropriate for mapping how VR is being integrated within cognitive-behavioural approaches, identifying key therapeutic mechanisms, and exploring the diversity of current applications, rather than determining effectiveness. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1. Study Design This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and is reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines ( Table S1) [ 12, 13]. A scoping review approach was selected due to the exploratory and heterogeneous nature of the field, aiming to map the existing evidence, identify key concepts and therapeutic mechanisms, and describe how virtual reality (VR) is integrated within cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-oriented interventions, rather than to assess effectiveness. The review protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF): https://osf.io/dru5z/overview, https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/DRU5Z (accessed on 12 March 2026). 2.2. Eligibility Criteria The inclusion criteria were defined according to the Population–Concept–Context (PCC) framework recommended for scoping reviews [ 12]: Population: Adults diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or presenting problematic alcohol use; Concept: Interventions incorporating virtual reality within cognitive behavioural therapy frameworks or targeting CBT-related mechanisms (e.g., exposure, cognitive restructuring, coping strategies); Context: Clinical or experimental settings involving therapeutic or intervention-based applications. Studies published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish within the last ten years were included. Interventions were considered CBT-oriented when they either explicitly incorporated CBT frameworks or targeted key CBT-related mechanisms (e.g., exposure, cognitive restructuring, coping strategies), even if not delivered as full therapeutic protocols. Exclusion criteria comprised: studies not involving VR-based interventions; studies not related to CBT or its core components; studies not focused on alcohol use; purely technical or validation studies without a therapeutic component; and review articles. However, reference lists of relevant reviews were screened to identify additional eligible studies. 2.3. Information Sources and Search Strategy A systematic search was conducted in the following electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection (via EBSCO). These databases were selected due to their comprehensive coverage of the biomedical, nursing, and behavioural sciences literature. An initial exploratory search was performed to identify relevant keywords and index terms. The final search strategy combined terms related to “virtual reality”, “cognitive behavioural therapy”, and “alcohol use disorder”, using Boolean operators (AND/OR). The search strategy was adapted to each database. To ensure comprehensiveness, citation tracking of included studies and relevant reviews was performed ( Table 1). 2.4. Screening and Eligibility Assessment All retrieved records were imported into the Rayyan ପ୍ପ (Rayyan Systems Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA) platform for screening and duplicate removal. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts against the predefined eligibility criteria. Full-text screening was conducted for all potentially relevant studies. Disagreements between reviewers were resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. The study selection process is presented in a PRISMA-ScR flow diagram. 2.5. Data Extraction Data were extracted using a structured form developed for this review. Extracted variables included: author(s), year of publication, country, study design, sample characteristics, type of VR intervention, CBT components or targeted mechanisms, and reported outcomes. The data extraction process was performed independently by two reviewers to ensure accuracy and consistency. 2.6. Data Synthesis A descriptive and narrative synthesis was conducted to map the characteristics of the included studies. The analysis focused on identifying patterns in intervention types, therapeutic mechanisms (e.g., craving, emotional regulation, self-efficacy), and methodological approaches. Due to the heterogeneity of study designs and outcomes, no quantitative synthesis or meta-analysis was conducted. Consistent with scoping review methodology, the aim was to describe and categorise the available evidence rather than to assess effectiveness or compare interventions. 3. Results 3.1. Results of the Study Selection Process 3.2. Characteristics of Included Studies The VR interventions identified included various approaches. Some studies used cue exposure paradigms with alcohol-related stimuli, while others simulated high-risk settings like bars or social gatherings to mimic real-world contexts. Other methods involved covert sensitisation techniques aimed at creating aversive responses to alcohol cues, as well as combined interventions that integrated exposure with cognitive or behavioural training components. The interventions also varied in duration, level of immersion, and the degree to which CBT principles were incorporated, ranging from structured CBT-supported protocols to more exploratory VR applications ( Table 2). An updated search was performed in January 2026 using the same databases and strategy. Although recent publications, including reviews and ongoing clinical trials, were identified, no additional studies satisfied the predefined inclusion criteria. 3.3. Study Design Classification 3.4. Targeted Therapeutic Mechanisms In addition, several studies explored emotional processing and behavioural responses within simulated environments, enabling participants to identify individual triggers and rehearse coping strategies. Some interventions also aimed to enhance self-efficacy and support elements of cognitive restructuring through repeated exposure and behavioural adaptation. These processes are widely recognised as key contributors to relapse. In this context, a distinction can be made between mechanisms related to the elicitation of responses (e.g., craving induction, cue reactivity) and those related to their modulation (e.g., craving regulation, emotional processing and coping strategies). 3.5. Patterns of VR Use Within CBT Frameworks The analysis revealed different patterns in how VR was integrated into CBT-oriented approaches. In some studies, VR was used as an adjunct to traditional CBT, particularly to enhance exposure-based components and support the identification of triggers. In other cases, VR functioned as a standalone tool primarily focused on inducing craving and observing behavioural responses. Additionally, some interventions combined VR with cognitive or behavioural training tasks, reflecting a hybrid approach. The degree of integration between VR and CBT varied across studies, indicating a lack of standardisation in their current application within therapeutic frameworks. 3.6. Heterogeneity of Interventions and Outcomes 3.7. Summary of Main Findings 4. Discussion Importantly, differences between clinical and non-clinical populations should be considered when interpreting these findings. Mechanisms such as cue reactivity and craving may manifest differently in individuals with established AUD compared to non-dependent drinkers, which may limit direct clinical extrapolation. The findings of this review suggest that VR may represent a promising tool for enhancing the delivery of CBT-oriented interventions, particularly by enabling personalised and ecologically valid exposure scenarios. This may have broader relevance for other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, where similar underlying mechanisms are involved. The sense of presence generated by immersive VR environments may play a particularly important role in emotional activation and ecological validity, potentially influencing both therapeutic engagement and cue reactivity [ 14, 18]. From clinical and research perspectives, integrating VR into CBT has several potential implications. The use of immersive environments may enhance ecological validity by allowing patients to engage with realistic scenarios that are difficult to reproduce in traditional therapeutic settings. Furthermore, the capacity to personalise these environments may facilitate the development of tailored interventions, consistent with precision mental health approaches. However, the lack of standardised protocols and the variability in implementation highlight the need for further research to establish best practices and to evaluate the feasibility of integrating VR into routine clinical care. It should be noted that not all included studies implemented full CBT protocols; several focused primarily on isolated mechanisms such as cue exposure or craving induction. Therefore, the term “CBT-oriented” should be interpreted as reflecting partial or mechanism-level integration rather than comprehensive therapeutic interventions. Nevertheless, the current evidence remains preliminary, and further research is required to establish the effectiveness, standardisation, and scalability of these approaches. This review has several limitations that should be considered. First, the search was limited to selected databases and to studies published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, which may have restricted the breadth of the evidence base. While the selected databases provide substantial coverage of the biomedical and behavioural sciences literature, the diversity of indexing sources in this field may pose challenges to achieving fully comprehensive retrieval. Second, no formal methodological quality appraisal was conducted, consistent with the objectives of a scoping review, which limits the ability to assess the strength and robustness of the evidence. Third, the included studies exhibited considerable heterogeneity in terms of design, population characteristics, and intervention approaches, which restricts direct comparability across findings. In addition, some studies involved non-clinical populations (e.g., heavy or social drinkers), which may limit the generalisability of results to individuals with diagnosed alcohol use disorder. An additional consideration relates to the heterogeneity of study populations. Several included studies involved participants without a formal AUD diagnosis, such as heavy or social drinkers. While these studies contribute to understanding cue reactivity and behavioural responses, their findings may not be directly transferable to clinical populations with established dependence and treatment needs. This distinction should be considered when interpreting the applicability of results to therapeutic contexts. Despite these limitations, this review provides a structured mapping of current VR applications within CBT frameworks for AUD and highlights key therapeutic mechanisms with potential transdiagnostic relevance. These findings support the role of VR as a promising, yet still emerging, tool within precision digital mental health, particularly in addressing processes shared by AUD, anxiety, and depression. Future research should focus on developing standardised intervention protocols, implementing well-designed randomised controlled trials, and including longitudinal follow-up to assess the sustainability of therapeutic effects. Additionally, further studies are needed to explore the applicability of VR-assisted CBT approaches in populations with anxiety and depressive disorders, in order to better understand their transdiagnostic potential. From an implementation perspective, several practical considerations must be addressed before VR-assisted CBT can be integrated into routine clinical care. These include the cost and accessibility of VR technology, the need for specialised therapist training, and issues related to patient acceptability and engagement. Additionally, potential adverse effects, such as cybersickness, may limit usability for some individuals. Ethical and data privacy concerns also arise, particularly regarding the collection of behavioural and physiological data in immersive environments. Addressing these factors will be essential to translating experimental and feasibility findings into scalable, sustainable clinical applications. 5. Future Directions Future research should focus on the development of standardised protocols for VR-assisted CBT interventions in alcohol use disorder. In particular, there is a need for well-designed randomised controlled trials with larger sample sizes and longitudinal follow-up to assess the durability of therapeutic effects. Additionally, further work is required to clarify the roles of specific therapeutic mechanisms, including distinguishing between processes related to cue reactivity and those involved in emotional regulation and behavioural adaptation. The integration of physiological and behavioural data within VR environments may also support more precise and personalised interventions. Future developments may integrate physiological monitoring, eye-tracking, biosensors, and artificial-intelligence-driven adaptive VR environments to support more responsive and personalised therapeutic interventions. Finally, future studies should explore the applicability of VR-assisted CBT approaches in other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, in order to better understand their transdiagnostic potential and relevance within precision digital mental health frameworks. 6. Conclusions This scoping review provides a structured overview of how virtual reality (VR) is currently being integrated into cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-oriented interventions for alcohol use disorder (AUD). The findings highlight the use of VR to target key therapeutic mechanisms, including craving, emotional processing, and self-efficacy; however, the evidence base remains limited and heterogeneous. Although these mechanisms have potential transdiagnostic relevance for conditions such as anxiety and depression, current findings should be interpreted cautiously. The existing literature is largely exploratory, with small sample sizes, variable intervention designs, and limited longitudinal data. Future research should prioritise the development of standardised protocols, rigorous controlled studies, and the evaluation of long-term outcomes. At present, VR-assisted CBT should be understood as an emerging and promising area of investigation rather than an established clinical approach. Current evidence supports its conceptual and therapeutic potential, particularly in relation to exposure-based and transdiagnostic mechanisms, although substantial methodological and clinical validation remains necessary. Supplementary Materials The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/psychiatryint7030129/s1, Table S1: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist. Author Contributions Conceptualization, M.T.M. and A.L.; methodology, M.T.M.; validation, M.T.M., A.L., D.R.M., M.I.G., I.L.C., C.S.F. and S.F.; formal analysis, M.T.M.; investigation, M.T.M.; data curation, M.T.M.; writing—original draft preparation, M.T.M.; writing—review and editing, A.L., D.R.M., M.I.G., I.L.C., C.S.F., T.L.d.C. and S.F.; supervision, M.T.M.; project administration, M.T.M. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Funding This research received no external funding. Institutional Review Board Statement Not applicable. Informed Consent Statement Not applicable. No new data were created or analyzed in this study. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Abbreviations The following abbreviations are used in this manuscript: AUD Alcohol Use Disorder CBT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy VR Virtual Reality VR-CBT Virtual Reality–Assisted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy JBI Joanna Briggs Institute PRISMA-ScR Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews OSF Open Science Framework References World Health Organization. Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2024; WHO: Geneva, Switzerland, 2024. [ Google Scholar] Craske, M.G.; Stein, M.B. Anxiety. Lancet 2016, 388, 3048–3059. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Disner, S.G.; Beevers, C.G.; Haigh, E.A.P.; Beck, A.T. Neural mechanisms of the cognitive model of depression. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 2011, 12, 467–477. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Fernandes, B.S.; Williams, L.M.; Steiner, J.; Leboyer, M.; Carvalho, A.F.; Berk, M. The new field of precision psychiatry. BMC Med. 2017, 15, 80. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol Use Disorder: A Comparison Between DSM-IV and DSM-5; NIAAA: Bethesda, MD, USA, 2023. Nakao, M.; Shirotsuki, K.; Sugaya, N. Cognitive behavioral therapy for management of mental health and stress-related disorders. Biopsychosoc. Med. 2021, 15, 16. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Dobson, K.S.; Dozois, D.J.A. Handbook of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies, 4th ed.; Guilford Press: New York, NY, USA, 2019. [ Google Scholar] Beck, J.S. Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond, 2nd ed.; Guilford Press: New York, NY, USA, 2011. [ Google Scholar] Bohil, C.J.; Alicea, B.; Biocca, F.A. Virtual reality in neuroscience research and therapy. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 2011, 12, 752–762. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Wen, Y.; Shen, X.; Shen, Y. Improving immersive experiences in virtual natural settings for public health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE 2024, 19, e0297986. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Gregory, V.L.; Wall, D.A.; White-Traut, S.N.; McBride, B.L.; Lipsey, A.D. Digital cognitive-behavioral therapy for substance use: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Am. J. Drug Alcohol Abus. 2024, 50, 771–785. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Aromataris, E.; Lockwood, C.; Porritt, K.; Pilla, B.; Jordan, Z. JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis; Joanna Briggs Institute: Adelaide, Australia, 2024. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] Tricco, A.C.; Lillie, E.; Zarin, W.; O’Brien, K.K.; Colquhoun, H.; Levac, D.; Moher, D.; Peters, M.D.J.; Horsley, T.; Weeks, L.; et al. PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and explanation. Ann. Intern. Med. 2018, 169, 467–473. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Ghiţă, A.; Hernández-Serrano, O.; Fernández-Ruiz, Y.; Monras, M.; Ortega, L.; Mondon, S.; Teixidor, L.; Gual, A.; Porras-García, B.; Ferrer-García, M.; et al. Cue-elicited anxiety and alcohol craving as indicators of the validity of ALCO-VR software: A virtual reality study. J. Clin. Med. 2019, 8, 1153. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Choi, Y.J.; Lee, J.H. The effect of virtual covert sensitization on reducing alcohol craving in heavy social drinkers. Virtual Real. 2015, 19, 111–117. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] Hernández-Serrano, O.; Ghiţă, A.; Fernández-Ruiz, J.; Monràs, M.; Gual, A.; Gacto, M.; Porras-García, B.; Ferrer-García, M.; Gutiérrez-Maldonado, J. Determinants of cue-elicited alcohol craving and perceived realism in virtual reality among patients with alcohol use disorder. J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10, 2241. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Ryu, C.-H. The Crime Prevention Policy and Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT): Focused on Virtual Reality Cognitive Behavior Therapy (VR-CBT) for Alcohol-Dependent Patients in the National Probation Service. Korean Assoc. Addict. Crime Rev. 2017, 7, 65–92. [ Google Scholar] Simon, J.; Etienne, A.M.; Bouchard, S.; Quertemont, E. Alcohol craving in drinkers after cue exposure in a virtual environment: The role of sense of presence. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 2020, 14, 124. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Son, J.H.; Lee, S.H.; Seok, J.W.; Kee, B.S.; Lee, H.W.; Kim, H.J.; Lee, T.K.; Han, D.H. Virtual reality therapy for the treatment of alcohol dependence: A PET/CT study. J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs 2015, 76, 620–627. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Zhang, J.; Chen, M.; Yan, J.; Wang, C.; Deng, H.; Wang, J.; Gu, J.; Wang, D.; Li, W.; Wang, C. Effects of virtual reality-based cue exposure therapy on craving and physiological responses in alcohol-dependent patients: A randomised controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry 2023, 23, 951. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Thaysen-Petersen, D.; Hammerum, S.K.; Vissing, A.C.; Oestrich, I.H.; Nordentoft, M.; Düring, S.W.; Fink-Jensen, A. Virtual reality-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for alcohol use disorder: A randomized feasibility study. Front. Psychiatry 2024, 15, 1337898. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Ghiţă, A.; Gutiérrez-Maldonado, J. Applications of virtual reality in individuals with alcohol misuse: A systematic review. Addict. Behav. 2018, 81, 1–11. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Figure 1. PRISMA-ScR flow diagram illustrating the study selection process. Figure 1. PRISMA-ScR flow diagram illustrating the study selection process. Table 1. Database search strategy and corresponding results. Table 1. Database search strategy and corresponding results. Database: CINAHL Complete (via EBSCO) Filters: last 10 years, English, Portuguese, Spanish, Results: 410 Search strategy (22 January de 2025) Boolean string: (TI alcohol OR AB alcohol OR SU alcohol OR TI “alcohol use disorder” OR AB “alcohol use disorder” OR SU “alcohol use disorder” OR TI alcoholism OR AB alcoholism OR SU alcoholism OR TI “alcohol drinking” OR AB “alcohol drinking” OR SU “alcohol drinking” OR TI “substance-related disorders” OR AB “substance-related disorders” OR SU “substance-related disorders”) AND (TI “cognitive behavioral therapy” OR AB “cognitive behavioral therapy” OR SU “cognitive behavioral therapy” OR TI “virtual reality exposure therapy” OR AB “virtual reality exposure therapy” OR SU “virtual reality exposure therapy” OR TI “virtual reality” OR AB “virtual reality” OR SU “virtual reality” OR TI psychotherapy OR AB psychotherapy OR SU psychotherapy OR TI “behavior therapy” OR AB “behavior therapy” OR SU “behavior therapy”) Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection Filters: last 10 years, English, Portuguese, Spanish Results: 138 Search strategy (22 January 2025) Boolean string:: (TI alcohol OR AB alcohol OR SU alcohol OR TI “alcohol use disorder” OR AB “alcohol use disorder” OR SU “alcohol use disorder” OR TI alcoholism OR AB alcoholism OR SU alcoholism OR TI “alcohol drinking” OR AB “alcohol drinking” OR SU “alcohol drinking” OR TI “substance-related disorders” OR AB “substance-related disorders” OR SU “substance-related disorders”) AND (TI “cognitive behavioral therapy” OR AB “cognitive behavioral therapy” OR SU “cognitive behavioral therapy” OR TI “virtual reality exposure therapy” OR AB “virtual reality exposure therapy” OR SU “virtual reality exposure therapy” OR TI “virtual reality” OR AB “virtual reality” OR SU “virtual reality” OR TI psychotherapy OR AB psychotherapy OR SU psychotherapy OR TI “behavior therapy” OR AB “behavior therapy” OR SU “behavior therapy”) Database: PubMed Filters: last 10 years, English, Portuguese, Spanish Results: 36 Search strategy (22 January 2025) Boolean string: (alcohol [Title/Abstract] OR “alcohol use disorder” [Title/Abstract] OR “alcohol use disorder” [MeSH Terms] OR alcoholism [Title/Abstract] OR alcoholism [MeSH Terms] OR “alcohol drinking” [Title/Abstract] OR “substance-related disorders” [Title/Abstract]) AND (“cognitive behavioral therapy” [Title/Abstract] OR “virtual reality exposure therapy” [Title/Abstract] OR “virtual reality” [Title/Abstract] OR psychotherapy [Title/Abstract] OR “behavior therapy” [Title/Abstract]) AND (“clinical setting” [Title/Abstract] OR “outpatient clinics” [Title/Abstract] OR “inpatient care” [Title/Abstract] OR “health services” [Title/Abstract] OR “treatment outcome” [Title/Abstract]) Table 2. Summary of the results. Table 2. Summary of the results. Author (Year, Country) Study Objective Study Design Sample (N) Population VR Intervention CBT Components/Mechanisms Key Findings Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. © 2026 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. Share and Cite MDPI and ACS Style Moreira, M.T.; Lima, A.; Martins, D.R.; Guimarães, M.I.; Lopes Cardoso, I.; Fernandes, C.S.; Lima da Costa, T.; Ferreira, S. Virtual Reality-Assisted Cognitive Behavioural Interventions for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Scoping Review of Therapeutic Mechanisms with Potential Implications for Anxiety, Depression, and Precision Digital Mental Health. Psychiatry Int. 2026, 7, 129. https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7030129 AMA Style Moreira MT, Lima A, Martins DR, Guimarães MI, Lopes Cardoso I, Fernandes CS, Lima da Costa T, Ferreira S. Virtual Reality-Assisted Cognitive Behavioural Interventions for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Scoping Review of Therapeutic Mechanisms with Potential Implications for Anxiety, Depression, and Precision Digital Mental Health. Psychiatry International. 2026; 7(3):129. https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7030129 Chicago/Turabian Style Moreira, Maria Teresa, Andreia Lima, Diana Ribeiro Martins, Maria Inês Guimarães, Inês Lopes Cardoso, Carla Sílvia Fernandes, Telmo Lima da Costa, and Salomé Ferreira. 2026. "Virtual Reality-Assisted Cognitive Behavioural Interventions for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Scoping Review of Therapeutic Mechanisms with Potential Implications for Anxiety, Depression, and Precision Digital Mental Health" Psychiatry International 7, no. 3: 129. https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7030129 APA Style Moreira, M. T., Lima, A., Martins, D. R., Guimarães, M. I., Lopes Cardoso, I., Fernandes, C. S., Lima da Costa, T., & Ferreira, S. (2026). Virtual Reality-Assisted Cognitive Behavioural Interventions for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Scoping Review of Therapeutic Mechanisms with Potential Implications for Anxiety, Depression, and Precision Digital Mental Health. Psychiatry International, 7(3), 129. https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7030129 Article Metrics Article metric data becomes available approximately 24 hours after publication online.
