Breathwork Therapy for Addiction
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Breathwork therapy is an empowering holistic practice that harnesses the power of mindful breathing techniques to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It works on the understanding that the way we breathe is directly connected to our overall health and state of mind.[1] By consciously adjusting and controlling our breathing patterns, we can tap into the body’s innate ability to heal, improve mental clarity, and reduce stress.
Breathwork therapy offers a natural and accessible tool for addiction treatment and recovery. Through a series of guided exercises, participants learn to observe and adjust their breathing, allowing them to access deeper levels of relaxation, self-awareness, and emotional resilience.
Discover the transformative power of breath and unlock a world of improved health, heightened clarity, and lasting serenity with breathwork therapy at Crestone Wellness.
What is Breathwork Therapy?
Breathwork therapy is a healing modality that uses breathing techniques to promote awareness and well-being.[2] It’s based on the understanding that the way we breathe directly affects our overall health and state of mind. By consciously altering and controlling our breathing patterns, we can access the body’s innate healing capabilities, improve mental clarity, and reduce stress.
Through guided sessions, people participating in Breathwork therapy learn how to consciously manipulate their breath to achieve specific outcomes.[3] This can include techniques to increase energy levels, enhance emotional processing, lower blood pressure, relieve anxiety or depression, and deepen self-awareness.
The practice often includes various breath patterns, such as deep abdominal, circular, alternate nostril, and diaphragmatic breathing adapted from yogic traditions. Mastering their breath can unlock greater resilience, balance, and harmony within their bodies and minds.
How (and Why) Breathwork Therapy Works
Breathwork therapy operates on the principle that our breath is intimately connected to our physical, mental, and emotional states. By learning to consciously manipulate our breathing patterns, we can influence and regulate various physiological processes, leading to several health benefits:[4]
- Oxygenation and detoxification: Deep breathing exercises increase oxygen intake and enhance blood circulation, nourishing cells, boosting energy levels, and supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes.
- Stress reduction: Slow, deep breathing activates the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and relaxation. This counteracts the stress response, reducing the release of stress hormones like cortisol and promoting a sense of calm.
- Emotional processing: Breathing patterns can influence our emotional states. Breathwork therapy encourages conscious awareness and release of suppressed emotions, enabling us to process and manage them more effectively.
- Mind-body connection: Focusing on the breath helps anchor the mind in the present moment, fostering mindfulness and self-awareness. This connection strengthens our ability to regulate our emotions, thoughts, and reactions.
- Enhanced immune function: Research suggests that regular breathwork practice can enhance immune system function, contributing to overall health and resilience.
Substance Abuse Therapies
Efficacy of Breathwork Therapy for Addiction and Dual Diagnosis
Both breathwork and mindfulness-based practices have been proven effective in managing stress-related disorders and addressing substance misuse.[5] These techniques can help regulate the body’s stress response, promoting relaxation and increasing resilience. Research also suggests that mindfulness-based practices, including breathwork, can play a significant role in managing cravings and decreasing the frequency of substance use.
Furthermore, studies show that these interventions can reduce cravings and improve depressive symptoms in individuals dealing with substance use disorders.[6] By strengthening processes related to self-regulation, breathwork interventions can help provide you with tools to cope with potential urges and triggers effectively.[7]
What to Expect from Breathwork Therapy
Breathwork therapy offers a unique and transformative experience that can vary depending on your needs and the specific techniques employed. However, there are some common elements that you can generally expect when engaging in breathwork sessions:
Guided breathwork exercises:
A trained therapist will guide you through various breathing patterns and techniques designed to evoke specific responses in your body and mind. These may include deep abdominal breathing, alternate nostril breathing, and other breath manipulation exercises.
Emotional release:
As you engage in the breathwork practice, you may experience a range of emotions surfacing, including feelings of joy, sadness, anger, or fear. Breathwork therapy provides a safe space for acknowledging and processing these emotions, fostering emotional healing and growth.
Heightened self-awareness:
Focusing on your breath and observing your body’s responses will help you develop greater self-awareness and mindfulness. This increased consciousness can help you identify patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to stress or other challenges in your life.
Physical sensations:
During breathwork sessions, you may experience physical sensations such as tingling, warmth, or a sense of energy moving through your body. These are natural responses to the increased oxygen flow and the activation of your body’s self-healing mechanisms.
Deep relaxation and rejuvenation:
Breathwork therapy promotes relaxation by activating the body’s parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. After a session, you can expect to feel a sense of calm, reduced stress, a lower heart rate, and enhanced mental clarity.
Breathwork Therapy at Crestone Wellness
At Crestone Wellness, we take pride in our holistic and evidence-based approach to helping you restore your life from addiction and dual diagnosis issues. Our comprehensive treatment programs, including breathwork therapy, support whole-person healing and personal growth.
Our breathwork therapy sessions are conducted by experienced practitioners who guide clients through various breathing techniques designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By addressing the interconnected aspects of your life, we help you to develop resilience and cultivate a deeper understanding of your own abilities to overcome challenges.
In addition to breathwork therapy, our holistic treatment programs also include other evidence-based modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and trauma-informed care. Combining these complementary approaches empowers clients to heal on multiple levels, fostering lasting recovery and personal transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breathwork Therapy For Addiction
Is Breathwork therapy appropriate for people with a dual diagnosis?
Breathwork therapy can be particularly beneficial for those with a dual diagnosis, as it addresses both mental health and addiction challenges. Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a mental health disorder and substance use disorder. Breathwork therapy supports recovery by helping individuals manage stress, regulate emotions, manage chronic stress, and develop self-awareness. By integrating breathwork techniques into their daily lives, individuals with a dual diagnosis can cultivate resilience, reduce the risk of relapse, and foster lasting mental and emotional well-being.
How often should I attend Breathwork therapy sessions?
Using breathwork in therapy sessions depends on your specific needs and treatment plan. In some cases, individuals may benefit from weekly sessions to establish a strong foundation and develop breathwork skills. As you become more proficient in the techniques, your therapist may recommend attending sessions less frequently or incorporating breathwork practices into your daily routine. It’s important to consult with your breathwork therapist to determine the ideal schedule for your unique circumstances.
Can I practice Breathwork techniques on my own?
Practicing breathwork techniques independently can be an excellent way to reinforce the skills you’ve learned during therapy sessions and promote ongoing personal growth. However, it is crucial to first learn proper techniques and guidelines from a trained professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Start by selecting a quiet, comfortable space where you can focus on your breath without distractions. Begin with simple exercises, such as deep abdominal breathing or slow breathing, and gradually progress to more advanced techniques as you gain confidence and experience. Regular practice with these types of breathwork will help you develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience in your daily life and improve your overall physical health.
Sources
[1] Fincham, G. W., Strauss, C., Montero-Marin, J., & Cavanagh, K. (2023). Effect of Breathwork on Stress and Mental health: a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled Trials. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-27247-y on June 4, 2024
[2] Breathwork for Beginners: What To Know and How To Get Started. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/breathwork on June 4, 2024
[3] Banushi, B., Brendle, M., Ragnhildstveit, A., Murphy, T., Moore, C., Egberts, J., & Robison, R. (2023). Breathwork Interventions for Adults with Clinically Diagnosed Anxiety Disorders: A Scoping Review. Brain Sciences, 13(2), 256. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13020256 on June 4, 2024
[4] Clinic, C. (2022, April 22). Should You Try Holotropic Breathwork? Here’s What It Does. Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/should-you-try-holotropic-breathwork-heres-what-it-does on June 4, 2024
[5] Garland, E. L., & Howard, M. O. (2018). Mindfulness-based treatment of addiction: current state of the field and envisioning the next wave of research. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13722-018-0115-3 on June 4, 2024
[6] Yadav, P., Chatterjee, K., Prakash, J., Salhotra, N., Chauhan, V., & Srivastava, K. (2021). Impact of breathing and relaxation training (Sudarshan Kriya) on cases of alcohol dependence syndrome. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 30(2), 341. https://doi.org/10.4103/ipj.ipj_117_21 on June 4, 2024
