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 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 8 |
| Population | Rural community participants with opioid use disorder |
| Intervention | Sudarshan Kriya Yoga |
| Topics | Addiction Meditation |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key points | 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.].
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot study of the 5-HT2AR agonist psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction Psychiatrically healthy nicotine-dependent smokers | 2014 | Open-label pilot study | n = 15 |
| Psilocybin-Occasioned Mystical Experiences in the Treatment of Tobacco Addiction Smokers | 2015 | Open-label pilot study | n = 15 |
| Ketamine Psychedelic Therapy (KPT): A Review of the Results of Ten Years of Research Alcoholic patients | 1997 | Controlled clinical trial | n = 211 |
| First study of safety and tolerability of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy in patients with alcohol use disorder. Patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) following community alcohol detoxification | 2021 | Open-label safety and tolerability proof-of-concept study | n = 14 |
| The Psychedelic Debriefing in Alcohol Dependence Treatment: Illustrating Key Change Phenomena through Qualitative Content Analysis of Clinical Sessions Participants in a psilocybin-assisted treatment study for alcohol dependence | 2018 | Open-label pilot (proof-of-concept) study with qualitative content analysis | n = 17 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Utilization of Breathwork Meditation in Improving Wellness in Trainees of Speech-Language Pathology: A Prospective Cohort Study Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups June 30, 2025
- Mindfulness-based interventions for opioid misuse: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment July 30, 2026
Cites 4
- Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part II—Clinical Applications and Guidelines The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine August 1, 2005
- Breathing‐Based Meditation Decreases Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in U.S. Military Veterans: A Randomized Controlled Longitudinal Study Journal of Traumatic Stress August 1, 2014
- Sudarshan Kriya Yoga for Improving Antioxidant Status and Reducing Anxiety in Adults Alternative and Complementary Therapies April 1, 2008
- Wellness through a comprehensive yogic breathing program - a controlled pilot trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine December 19, 2007