Virtual Reality Application in a Jail Setting

Prior research has suggested that individuals with substance abuse who are incarcerated often relapse after being released from jail. This research study explored the acceptance of virtual reality use in a jail setting and ultimately, its application in rehabilitation as it relates to a variety of topics including mindfulness, community reentry, and substance abuse. Dell Medical School and the Travis County Correctional Facility screened inmates who were willing to participant and met certain criteria, including a history of substance abuse. 20 participants were interviewed which included 10 male and 10 female inmates. Prior to the interview, they were given a series of questionnaires to gather information on demographics and substance abuse patterns. The participants completed two activities using the virtual reality equipment and were asked a series of pre-test and post-test questions to understand their perceptions and experiences with the technology. The School of Information and Dell Med previously collaborated to better understand the population with opioid addiction and how technology may help these individuals. This research on virtual reality expands on those previously unanswered questions and uncovers virtual reality's potential application with rehabilitating high-risk populations.