Controlled Breathing Reduces Substance Cravings

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Addiction found that controlled breathing interventions, including heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB), resonant breathing, yogic breathing, and others, significantly reduce cravings in people with substance use disorders. The review, led by Ariel Dart Roxburgh of Monash University, analyzed 20 studies with 1,249 participants. Results showed a small but statistically significant reduction in craving (Hedge's g = 0.30), with effects consistent across nicotine, alcohol, opiates, stimulants, and polysubstance use. Evidence for withdrawal and dependence was limited, though the effect on dependence was large. The authors suggest that low-cost, smartphone-assisted breathing interventions could be a scalable add-on to addiction treatment, given global smartphone penetration exceeds 75%.