Breathwork-assisted Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this proof-of-concept study is to evaluate the safety, feasibility and acceptability of a breathwork workshop intervention in individuals with cannabis use disorder.

Detailed Description
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This study will test a 1-week breathwork workshop for treatment-seeking adults with a diagnosis of cannabis use disorder. The intervention consists of an enhanced breathing session with evocative music to facilitate experiencing non-ordinary states of consciousness, in addition to brief therapeutic interventions based on Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention (MBRP). The primary aim is to test the acceptability, feasibility and safety of enhanced breathwork in a therapeutic framework for cannabis use disorder. In addition, the investigators seek to understand the phenomenology of breathwork that may explain any change related to addictive behaviors, as well as biological changes that occur during the breathwork session through heart rate variability and electroencephalography.

Official Title
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Breathwork-assisted Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder: A Proof-of-concept Study

Conditions
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Cannabis Use Disorder, Addiction, Substance Abuse, Cannabis Use, Cannabis Dependence, Cannabis Abuse

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Breathwork workshop


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 18-70 years of age Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) criteria for active cannabis use disorder. Seeking treatment for their cannabis use Exclusion Criteria: Meets DSM-V criteria for schizophrenia or any psychotic illness or any dissociative disorder (Dissociative identity disorder, Dissociative amnesia, Depersonalization/derealization disorder). Active substance use disorder except for cannabis, nicotine, and caffeine. History of severe withdrawal symptoms (i.e withdrawal seizures). History of dementia, epilepsy or seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, pacemaker/defibrillator, heart failure, asthma, panic disorder and other respiratory illnesses (ie: COPD).

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Breathwork group<br>Treatment-seeking individuals with cannabis use disorder who will participate in the 1-week breathwork workshop. | Behavioral: Breathwork workshop<br>* Participants will complete 1.5 hours of breathwork session in addition to a total of 6 hours of brief psychotherapeutic intervention in a span of 1 week. The therapy sessions will occur both before and after the breathing session.<br>* Other names: Enhanced breathing session + Brief psychotherapeutic intervention;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Acceptability of the breathwork session | Acceptability of the breathwork intervention through self-reported questionnaires. | One week after the breathing session. | 
| Safety of the breathing session | Occurrence of adverse effects through a self-reported questionnaire. | 24 hours after the breathing session. | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Cue Reactivity | Serial visual analogue scale for craving elicited by cannabis use. | From baseline to 1 month after the breathing session. | 
| Change in Motivation to Quit | Measured with the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale. | From baseline to 1 month after the breathing session. | 
| Change in cannabis use | Changes in cannabis use as measured by the Timeline Followback. | From baseline to 1 month after the breathing session. | 
| Phenomenology of breathwork #1 | Subjective experiences during the breathing session will be assessed with the 30-item Mystical Experience Questionnaire. | 24 hours after the breathing session | 
| Phenomenology of breathwork #2 | Subjective experiences during the breathing session will be assessed with the Emotional Breakthrough Inventory. | Obtained 24 hours after the breathing session | 
| Heart Rate Variability | Polar (H10) chest strap | Measured during breathing session | 
| Electroencephalographic changes | Electroencephalograpy cap | Measured during breathing session | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Addiction, cannabis use disorder, Breathwork, Non-ordinary states of consciousness, Non-ordinary experiences, Contemplative practices, Altered states of consciousness, Cannabis