Most evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders (SUD) require face-to-face interactions with individuals who comprise a recovery support network. However, in the moment relapse occurs, people in recovery are often not in the presence of these trusted individuals. This project aims to address this issue by providing people in recovery with an application (app) that can be added to phones and other mobile devices to help them manage cravings, anxiety, and stress triggers at the specific moments they feel compelled to use. The connection between an individuals mind and body works in both directions. Psychological distress can cause psychosomatic symptoms in the body (e.g., stress is related to multiple chronic health conditions), but individuals can also use their bodies to affect psychology aspects (e.g., exercise can improve mood by releasing endorphins). A similar scientific theory is the foundation of controlled breathing interventions for anxiety, stress, and drug cravings. Psychological distress can disrupt the balance of our Autonomic Nervous System (which is responsible for our fight or flight response to threat), but breathing exercises can restore balance and decrease stress. The goal of this study is to test the feasibility, utility, and efficacy of an app that delivers controlled breathing exercises.
This study aims to assess the feasibility of an intervention for the management of craving, stress, anxiety, and depression among people who use opioids via a resonance breathing smartphone app.