Tech-Driven Recovery: UK Invests in AI and VR

Arkeniaduncan11 Jan, 2025Health

The UK government has invested £12 million in innovative technology, including AI and VR wearables, to revolutionize addiction recovery by enabling real-time health monitoring and controlled exposure therapy. These tools allow individuals to confront triggers, practice coping strategies, and enhance emotional regulation in safe, simulated environments. Projects like PneumoWave ALERT use chest-worn sensors to detect overdoses and alert emergency services, while VR programs create personalized scenarios, such as virtual bars or alternate future simulations, to motivate recovery and reinforce healthier choices. This experiential approach addresses both the emotional and cognitive aspects of addiction, offering a promising path to long-term sobriety and reducing social harm.