Current treatments for substance use disorder (SUD) encompass a range of approaches, including behavioral-focused therapy, medication-assisted treatment, co-occurring mental health disorder evaluation and management (e.g., anxiety, depression), and long-term relapse prevention strategies.
One emerging treatment showing promise is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Research has explored its efficacy in alleviating detox and withdrawal symptoms associated with SUD. Given that SUD can inflict cellular-level damage on the brain, particularly in areas like the frontal lobe crucial for strategic decision-making, HBOT offers a potential avenue for healing. Studies indicate that after 20-40 HBOT sessions, cerebral blood flow increases, facilitating proper cellular detoxification and nutrient delivery for cell repair.
Physiological Benefits of HBOT include repairing damaged neurons, reducing inflammation, aiding in cellular detoxification, improving circulation in damaged tissues, promoting tissue regeneration, enhancing sleep patterns, stimulating appetite, and increasing blood flow to the brain.
HBOT has also shown promise in reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms, with participants experiencing twice the reduction in symptoms on day 1, along with a decrease in symptom severity and duration.
Furthermore, HBOT has demonstrated positive effects on mental health and wellness by enhancing memory and cognitive performance, facilitating the recovery of cognitive and motor functions, promoting neuroplasticity, enhancing executive function, improving brain blood flow, reducing chronic cortisol levels, and fostering a more balanced stress response
Addiction and Recovery Studies
- HBOT Surpasses Withdraws Signs in Morphine-Dependent: https://www.ihausa.org/pdf/adult-indications/addiction/HBOT-Suppresses-Withdrawal-Signs-in-Morphine-Dependent.pdf
- HBOT to Assist Adults with Opioid Use: https://www.ihausa.org/pdf/adult-indications/addiction/HBOT-to-Assist-Adults-With-Opioid-Use.pdf
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Pain, Opioid Withdrawal, and Related Symptoms: https://www.ihausa.org/pdf/adult-indications/addiction/Hyperbaric-Oxygen-Therapy-for-Pain-Opioid-Withdrawal-and-Related-Symptoms.pdf
- Hyperbaric Oxygenation in Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal: https://www.ihausa.org/pdf/adult-indications/addiction/Hyperbaric-Oxygenation-in-Treatment-of-Alcohol-Withdrawal.pdf
