HealthDay (10/10, Solomon) reported a study found that “heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) can reduce negative affect, craving, and substance use among individuals in early recovery from substance use disorder (SUD).” The researchers “examined the efficacy of HRVB in the treatment of SUD. The analysis included 115 adults seeking treatment for SUD who were randomly assigned to receive treatment as usual with or without HRVB as a wearable smart patch.” They observed that “HRVB was associated with significant reductions in negative affect and craving over eight weeks, while the control group experienced increases in both negative affect and craving. There were no differences for positive affect.” Furthermore, HRVB was “associated with a significantly lower proportion of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use days compared with control. The within-person relationship between craving and later AOD use was moderated by HRVB treatment, with those receiving HRVB less likely to use AOD following craving.” The study was published in JAMA Psychiatry.
Related Links:
— “Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Improves Early Substance Use Disorder Recovery,”
Lori Solomon, HealthDay , October 10, 2025