Group Activities for Addiction

Overseen By Nicholas Guenzel, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Nebraska

Disqualifiers: Bipolar, Psychotic, Cardiac, Seizure, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 4 sessions over 4 weeks

100 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests Holotropic Breathwork (HB), which involves guided breathing exercises with music, in individuals recovering from addiction. The researchers aim to determine if HB can enhance mental health and support recovery. One group includes participants in residential treatment, while another consists of those living in the community. Eligible participants must have experienced a substance use disorder within the past five years. The trial is not suitable for individuals with certain health conditions, such as heart issues or seizure disorders. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative recovery methods and contribute to groundbreaking research.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that Holotropic Breathwork (HB) can be a safe option for people recovering from addiction. Some studies have found that HB improves mental health for those dealing with addiction. For instance, one study found that HB helped four people remain substance-free for an extended period. This practice involves controlled breathing to reach a different state of mind, which some people find helpful for emotional and psychological healing.

The Multiple Modality (MM) intervention includes activities like yoga and meditation. Yoga has been shown to help people with substance use issues by reducing stress and improving well-being. A review of studies found that yoga positively affects anxiety and substance use. Although data is limited, these activities are generally considered safe and well-tolerated by participants.

Both HB and MM aim to support recovery without serious side effects, but it's always important to consider any personal health conditions before participating. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Holotropic Breathwork (HB) for addiction because it offers a unique, non-pharmacological approach that focuses on deep, accelerated breathing techniques. Unlike traditional treatments for addiction, which often rely on medication-assisted therapies or behavioral counseling, HB aims to enhance self-awareness and emotional release through altered states of consciousness. This method could offer a new avenue for individuals seeking holistic recovery experiences, potentially reducing reliance on medication and allowing for personal insights and breakthroughs.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for addiction?

Research has shown that Holotropic Breathwork (HB), one of the treatments in this trial, can aid in addiction recovery. Some studies found that participants using HB remained substance-free for years. This technique employs controlled breathing to alter emotional states and has been shown to help prevent relapse and reduce anxiety. Meanwhile, the Multiple Modality (MM) intervention, another treatment option in this trial, includes yoga and mindfulness. Research indicates these practices can decrease cravings and support recovery. Yoga and mindfulness therapies have consistently improved outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders. ^{1 2 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Nicholas Arien Guenzel, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Nebraska

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 19 who have struggled with substance use disorder in the past five years. It's open to those in residential treatment at CenterPointe or The Bridge, and also to individuals living independently. People can't join if they're pregnant, have bipolar or psychotic disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, cardiac conditions, seizure disorders, recent surgeries, glaucoma or retinal detachment.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 19 or older and was diagnosed with a substance use disorder in the last 5 years.

I am 19 or older, in a residential addiction program, and had a substance use disorder in the last 5 years.

Exclusion Criteria

Currently pregnant (individuals who have engaged in sexual activity since their last menstrual period will be asked to submit a urine sample for a pregnancy screen the morning of the breathwork)

Arm A: HB group and Arm B

Diagnosed with a bipolar disorder at any point in life (per self-report)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in Holotropic Breathwork (HB) sessions or Multiple Modality (MM) activities, including yoga, meditation, and film discussions.

4 sessions over 4 weeks

4 visits (in-person)

Integration

Zoom-based integration groups offered post-HB sessions to support participants.

2 weeks

2 sessions (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in substance use, emotional breakthrough, interpersonal functioning, and other psychological measures.

6 months

Follow-up surveys at 1, 3, and 6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Holotropic Breathwork
• Multiple Modality

Trial Overview The study tests Holotropic Breathwork (HB), a type of hyperventilation therapy aimed at aiding addiction recovery. Participants will either be in residential treatment programs (Arm A) receiving HB or Multiple Modality interventions like yoga and meditation; or living in the community (Arm B) receiving only HB.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: B--for individuals living in the community Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Arm B will be comprised of a single group and participants in this group will receive the same HB experience as the participants in the Arm A HB group

Group II: A--for individuals in residential treatment programs Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Arm A will use a cluster randomized intervention, providing HB for individuals at two facilities and a Multiple Modality (MM) intervention (yoga, meditation, and a film/discussion) at a third facility.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Nebraska

Lead Sponsor

Trials

563

Recruited

1,147,000+

Citations

1. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/228780922_Long-Term_Abstinence_Following_Holotropic_Breathwork_as_Adjunctive_Treatment_of_Substance_Use_Disorders_and_Related_Psychiatric_Comorbidity

Long-Term Abstinence Following Holotropic Breathwork as ... We report the successful use of HB in 4 cases in which complete abstinence was obtained and maintained for extended periods of time (2–19 years).

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07071883

Group Activities to Support Addiction Recovery The purpose of this study is to pilot the use of Holotropic Breathwork (HB) for individuals seeking to recover from addiction. The study will have two arms ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032725020075

Efficacy of online conscious connected breathwork in ... They found that CCB produced statistically significant reductions in anxiety and helped prevent relapse into alcohol dependence. Given that this ...

4. integrationconcepts.net integrationconcepts.net/s/BW-and-recovery.pdf

Examining the Effects of Holotropic Breathwork in the ... The results of this particular sample also suggest that Holotropic Breathwork could prove very beneficial in the area of relapse prevention.

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9954474/

Breathwork Interventions for Adults with Clinically Diagnosed ... A range of breathwork interventions yielded significant improvements in anxiety symptoms in patients clinically diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763423004220

High ventilation breathwork practices: An overview of their ... Long-term abstinence following holotropic breathwork as adjunctive treatment of substance use disorders and related psychiatric comorbidity. Int. J. Ment ...