Sudarshan Kriya Meditation Reduces Substance Abuse Cravings and Improves Physical and Emotional Well-Being of Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder: A Pilot Study.
Sathya Dev Unudurthi, Kathy D Wright, Jill M Klimpel, Abhimanyu Sud, Alai Tan, Barbara J Warren
Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services August 1, 2023 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20230321-01 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA small pilot study tested whether a breathing-based mind-body practice, Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), could help people with opioid use disorder in a rural community. Seven of eight participants completed the SKY sessions added to their usual treatment. After the intervention, substance use cravings and depression scores were significantly lower than at the start, while physical functioning and emotional well-being improved. The authors suggest SKY may enhance physical, social, and mental health during long-term opioid treatment, but larger trials are needed to confirm these results.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 8 |
| Population | Rural community participants with opioid use disorder |
| Intervention | Sudarshan Kriya Yoga |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key finding | Adding Sudarshan Kriya Yoga to usual treatment was associated with reduced substance use cravings and depression, and improved physical and emotional well-being. |
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is widely prevalent in the United States and there are high levels of comorbidity between OUD and mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychotherapy, in addition to medication-assisted therapy, are considered important components of long-term OUD treatment. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) is a breathing-based mind-body intervention that has been demonstrated to have multiple physiological and psychological benefits. In the current study, participants (N = 8) recruited from a rural community were offered SKY in addition to treatment-as-usual. Physical and psychological well-being were measured using the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale-24, Short Form-36, Perceived Stress Scale, and participant logs and journals. Of eight participants, seven (87.5%) successfully completed the SKY intervention. Compared to baseline, there was a significant decrease in substance use cravings (p = 0.04) and depression (p = 0.01). In addition, physical functioning and emotional well-being significantly increased after SKY. SKY demonstrated efficacy in improving physical and social functioning along with enhancing mental and emotional well-being. Larger-scale trials should be performed to validate these findings. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(8), 51-59.].