Group Activities to Support Addiction Recovery

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA · Jul 8, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is exploring a special breathing technique called Holotropic Breathwork (HB) to help people recovering from addiction. HB involves controlled deep breathing while listening to music and being guided by trained facilitators. It may help people feel different emotions and thoughts, which could support their recovery. The study has two parts: one for people living in residential treatment centers and another for those living in the community. Some participants in treatment centers will try HB, while others will take part in activities like yoga, meditation, and group discussions. The goal is to see if HB is safe, acceptable, and helpful for people with addiction.

To join this study, you need to be 19 or older and have had a substance use disorder in the past five years. If you’re in a residential treatment program at one of the two study centers, you may be invited to participate in either the HB or the other group activities. People with certain health issues, like bipolar disorder, psychosis, heart problems, seizures, high blood pressure, eye problems, or recent surgeries, cannot join for safety reasons. Pregnant individuals are also not eligible. Participants will attend four breathwork sessions or one group session, depending on their group, held at locations in Nebraska. This study is currently recruiting volunteers and aims to better understand how group activities like HB might support addiction recovery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Arm A 19 years of age or older Currently enrolled in a residential addiction treatment program at CenterPointe or the Bridge Met criteria for a substance use disorder in the past five years
• • Arm B 19 years of age or older Met criteria for a substance use disorder in the past five years
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Arm A: HB group and Arm B
• • 1. Diagnosed with a bipolar disorder at any point in life (per self-report)
• • 2. Diagnosed with a psychotic disorder or have had psychotic symptoms at any point in life (per self-report)
• • 3. Diagnosed with a cardiac condition, received care for a cardiac condition, or have current cardiac symptoms (per self-report)
• • 4. Ever diagnosed with a seizure disorder (per self-report)
• • 5. Current uncontrolled hypertension (140/90 or greater) (measured the morning of the breathwork)
• • 6. Ever diagnosed with glaucoma or retinal detachment
• • 7. Recent surgeries
• • 8. 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)
• • 9. Acutely suicidal (i.e. with an intention and a plan)
• • Arm A: MM group None