Effects of Mindfulness and Holotropic Breathwork on the Rehabilitation of Adolescents Who Use Psychoactive Substances: A Pilot Study
Frank Sánchez-Quijano, Diana Ximena Puerta-Cortés, Julio Eduardo Mazorco-Salas
Research Square February 14, 2023 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2557650/v1 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA pilot study compared mindfulness and holotropic breathwork treatments for female adolescents aged 15–18 in rehabilitation for psychoactive substance use. Eighteen participants from a Colombian treatment center were studied using a mixed methods exploratory design. Heart rate, an indicator of psychological and cardiovascular well-being, decreased in the mindfulness group compared to a control group. Qualitative reports from participants and staff described positive changes in emotional regulation, coping, communication, and reductions in stress, anxiety, and the desire to use substances following both treatments.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Pilot study with mixed methods exploratory design Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 18 |
| Population | Female adolescents aged 15–18 admitted to Fundación Grupo de Apoyo for rehabilitation from psychoactive substance use |
| Interventions | Mindfulness Holotropic breathwork |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Rehabilitation Coping psychology Exploratory research |
| Key finding | Mindfulness treatment reduced heart rate compared to control, and both treatments were associated with positive changes in emotional regulation, coping, communication, and reductions in stress, anxiety, and desire to use substances. |
Abstract
Abstract This pilot study aims to compare the effects of mindfulness and holotropic breathwork treatments on adolescents in the rehabilitation process for psychoactive substance use. Participants comprised 18 female adolescents aged 15–18 admitted to the Fundación Grupo de Apoyo, affiliated with the Colombian Family Welfare Institute. The Fundación is dedicated to rehabilitation from, detoxification from, and prevention of psychoactive substance use. The study utilizes a mixed methods approach with an exploratory design. Heart rate is used as an important indicator of psychological well-being and overall cardiovascular health, and the mean pretest/posttest heart rates of the control and experimental groups are compared quantitatively. The effects of both treatments on the study population are described qualitatively. The results show a reduction in heart rate in the mindfulness group compared to the control. The narratives of the participants and the institution’s workers show positive changes in emotional regulation and coping, better communication, and a reduction in stress and anxiety or the desire to use, as a result of both experimental treatments.