For decades, addiction and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) have posed significant challenges in the field of mental health. Traditional therapies, while effective for some, leave a significant portion of patients struggling. In fact, studies show that more than 85% of individuals in recovery for alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, will relapse within 1 year of treatment (1). Conventional PTSD treatments are also failing, with a high dropout rate and sparse evidence of long-term effectiveness (2). Fortunately, there is a growing interest in alternative treatment methods, with altered states of consciousness emerging as a highly effective treatment option for addiction and trauma recovery.
What Are Altered States of Consciousness?
Altered States of Consciousness are also commonly referred to as Non-Ordinary States of consciousness or (NOSC) in the medical field and the two terms are interchangeable. They refer to mental states that are significantly different from ordinary waking consciousness. These states can involve profound changes in perception, emotion, thought processes, and a sense of time and space. Altered states can be induced through various methods, with current research increasingly focusing on the use of psychedelic substances to facilitate these states in therapeutic settings.
While the results of studies on psychedelic therapy are promising, using substances in a therapeutic setting comes with setbacks. Firstly, the cost for the client is significantly high, with individual sessions often exceeding $1,400 and multiple sessions typically required as part of the treatment protocol. Psychedelic substances can also lead to unpleasant side effects including ‘bad trips’, and present significant legal issues. Moreover, for individuals struggling with addiction, providing another substance as a means to overcome their addiction can exacerbate their dependence on external substances for self-regulation.
But what if we could harness non-ordinary states of consciousness for healing and transformation, without the use of any substances?…
Imagine unlocking a new paradigm in mental health therapy – one that’s safe, legal, affordable, all-natural, and proven to bring about rapid, significant, sustainable improvements in well-being. While the prospect might sound far-fetched, the possibility already exists. Connected Breathwork, often referred to simply as Breathwork, enables individuals to achieve altered states of consciousness by modifying their breathing pattern, eliminating the need for outside substances.
In this article, we will first delve into the burgeoning field of psychedelic therapy, examining its promising applications in treating addiction, trauma, depression, and other mental health conditions which are commonly resistant to conventional treatment methods. After this exploration, we will delve into the realm of Breathwork, highlighting its potential to induce equally profound and healing altered states of consciousness without the excessively high cost, side effects, or legal ramifications.
Psychedelic Therapy for Addiction & Trauma Recovery
Psychedelic substances such as LSD, Psilocybin (magic mushrooms), Ayahuasca, and MDMA can produce profound alterations in perception, mood, and cognition, often leading to deeply therapeutic insights and releases. Research into psychedelic therapy suggests that altered states of consciousness and the ‘mystical experiences‘ they frequently induce can lead to notable improvements in PTSD, as well as various affective disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs) (3, 28).
What Happens In Psychedelic Therapy Sessions
Within a safe and controlled therapeutic setting, the patient is given a carefully monitored dose of a psychedelic substance. This, in combination with supportive psychotherapy, creates an environment for deep exploration of the unconscious mind. The psychedelics facilitate access to deep and often suppressed emotional and psychological experiences, paving the way for breakthroughs and transformative insights that can be nearly impossible to achieve in everyday awareness.
Psychedelic Therapy: Substances that are Currently Being Investigated
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine): MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. MDMA is being studied for its potential to help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In clinical trials, MDMA-assisted therapy has been shown to be effective in notably reducing PTSD symptoms (4).
Psilocybin: Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in ‘magic mushrooms’. Clinical trials have shown that psilocybin-assisted therapy can be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions including addiction, depression, and anxiety (5).
Ketamine: Ketamine is a medication that is currently used as an anesthetic and pain reliever. It is also being studied for its potential to treat depression and other mental health conditions. Ketamine is thought to work by rapidly reducing symptoms of depression, although the effects are often short-lived. PTSD patients may also benefit from ketamine because research shows it helps the patient access and process traumatic memories in a less threatening way, facilitating healing and integration (6).
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide): LSD is a synthetic psychedelic drug that alters mood, perception, and thought processes. LSD is being studied for its potential to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and addiction. Early research suggests that LSD may be helpful in treating these conditions, but more research is needed (7).
A Word of Caution: It is important to note that psychedelic substances are still undergoing research and are not yet approved for therapeutic use by the FDA and Health Canada. These substances can have powerful psychological effects, and it is important to use them under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
How Altered States of Consciousness Can Support Addiction & Trauma Recovery
Many with addiction struggle with intense cravings, negative emotions, and a strong pull towards relapse. Those with PTSD can struggle with flashbacks, anxiety, depression, and other debilitating symptoms which severely interfere with their quality of life. Psychedelics are theorized to work by promoting neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections (8,9). This may help individuals break free from entrenched patterns of addiction and in those with PTSD, allow for the formation of new pathways around traumatic memories fostering new, healthier ways of thinking and behaving (10,11).
Studies suggest working with altered states of consciousness in a therapeutic setting can lead to reduced cravings, improved motivation for change, and a deeper exploration of the underlying causes of addiction (12). Research also shows altered states can help alleviate anxiety and depression, increase motivation to modify addictive behaviors, and improve self-awareness and overall well-being (13). Positive transformations in perceptions, values, beliefs, and behaviors are also notable outcomes associated with accessing altered states of consciousness (14).
Breathwork for Inducing Altered States of Consciousness and Supporting Addiction & Trauma Recovery
Considering the complexities associated with psychedelic therapy, Breathwork offers a more accessible and widely acceptable approach to inducing altered states of consciousness for therapeutic benefit (15). Though Connected Breathwork is rapidly gaining popularity, it remains relatively unknown beyond specific geographic areas. For clarity, let’s delineate it: Breathwork is a self-healing practice employing a deep and connected breathing pattern with no pause between the inhale and exhale. It is typically done lying down with eyes closed, alongside carefully curated music and a trained Breathwork facilitator.
This breathing technique was born in large part by transpersonal psychologist Stanislav Grof. Grof was successfully using LSD in the 1960’s to treat patients with severe PTSD and when LSD became illegal he discovered this method of breathing induced similar effects and benefits in his patients (21). He coined this method of breathing as Holotropic Breathwork. Today, there are thousands of variations that use a similar breathing technique to induce altered states for therapeutic purposes, and they are broadly classified under the term ‘Breathwork’.
How Does Breathwork Induce Altered States of Consciousness & Support Emotional Healing?
Although the exact mechanisms of Breathwork are not yet fully understood, research suggests that Breathwork induces altered states of consciousness in various ways. Firstly, it alters brainwaves and induces physiological shifts such as a slight reduction in oxygen and c02, and these alterations lead to reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex. It also allows us to exit the Default Mode Network (DMN) which is where the ego usually dominates and activates the limbic system which is the brains emotional control center.
A small-scale yet promising study in 2011 found connected Breathwork led to long-term recovery in addicts where complete abstinence was obtained and maintained for extended periods of time (2–19 years) (23). According to study author Timothy D. Brewerton, “Holotropic Breathwork offers the addict many opportunities that may enhance addiction treatment, including entering non-ordinary states of consciousness to seek healing and wisdom via a natural, non-addictive method, a direct experience of one’s Higher Power, and for physical and emotional catharsis associated with stress and prior trauma, (24).” Others studies show Breathwork positively influences temperament and enhances self-awareness (25). Breathwork has also been shown to improve non-judgment and life satisfaction scores, and to reduce stress-related symptoms (26).
One study directly investigated the use of Holotropic Breathwork (HB) as an adjunct to psychotherapy. The study found that “when HB is used in the context of ongoing psychotherapy, hyperventilation may facilitate the generalized extinction of avoidance behaviors, resulting in therapeutic progress. Individuals high in trait absorption and social desirability who have failed to respond adequately to psychotherapy might be those most likely to respond to HB (27).”
Benefits of Breathwork for Addiction and PTSD Recovery:
Slows Down Activity in the Prefrontal Cortex: Connected Breathwork provides a temporary respite for the prefrontal cortex, known for its role in planning and control. This break can aid trauma recovery by reducing emotional suppression, allowing for access to and processing of difficult emotions. Additionally, the quieting of the prefrontal cortex during Breathwork opens space for new, creative perspectives on trauma, potentially fostering empowerment and acceptance.
Reduced Emotional Suppression: The prefrontal cortex is involved in suppressing emotions. When Breathwork takes the reins, that suppression can lessen. This allows us to access and process difficult emotions related to trauma that we might otherwise keep hidden and repressed.
Deactivates the Amygdala: The amygdala is the fear center of the brain and by temporarily deactivating the amygdala, Breathwork can help reduce anxiety and fear (16).
Stimulating the Hippocampus: Breathwork has the potential to stimulate the hippocampus, aiding in memory retrieval and learning (17). For trauma survivors, this stimulation may help the participant overcome the challenge of fragmented memory which is associated with trauma-induced hippocampal shrinkage (18).
Neurophysiological Shifts: Spectral analysis of EEG recordings shows a decrease in lower frequency bands (delta, theta, low beta) and an increase in gamma brainwaves, particularly in experienced Breathwork participants. These shifts suggest modulation of cortical inhibition, a more open mindset, and reduction of stress, depression, and anxiety. Similar to psychedelic therapy, Breathwork also promote neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new and healthier connections (22).
Mystical Experiences: Approximately 10% of Breathwork participants report life-changing mystical experiences. Clinical research indicates that those who have such experiences show significantly higher and enduring scores on measures of psychological well-being (20).
A Note on Breathwork and DMT
Due to the numerous parallels between the experiences and benefits of Breathwork and those of psychedelic substances, it is speculated that Breathwork may trigger the release of the psychedelic substance DMT within the body. Preliminary research shows that deep and connected breathing might affect cerebrospinal fluid circulation, which contains high concentrations of DMT. This suggests that intentionally changing your breath during Breathwork could boost DMT flow, potentially enhancing its distribution in the brain and body (19). More research is required to determine whether this is true or not, however, what we do know, is that Breathwork is both transformative and healing. It induces altered states of consciousness, brings subconscious experiences to the forefront, and allows for the processing and release of emotional and mental toxicity.
Closing Thoughts on Breathwork for Trauma and Addiction Recovery
As a Breathwork facilitator and teacher for seven years, I have had countless participants express that their Breathwork sessions were more enlightening and therapeutic than years of traditional talk therapy. Numerous participants have also shared that their Breathwork session was more profound and beneficial than plant medicine sessions. This is particularly empowering, as participants achieve these benefits using their own breath.
While the precise mechanisms of Breathwork remain a subject of ongoing exploration, the wealth of anecdotal accounts from countless practitioners worldwide suggests its potential as a remarkably effective, accessible, and safe healing modality deserving of deeper investigation. Breathwork offers a reliable, cost-efficient, and entirely natural avenue for expedited and enduring healing and recovery. It induces altered states of consciousness all naturally, offering an emerging and promising approach for enhancing mental well-being, surmounting addictions, and fostering overall wellness.
It is our deepest hope that conventional medicine will acknowledge and embrace this promising and accessible therapeutic modality. We envision a world where Breathwork is integrated into all addiction treatment centers and offered alongside talk therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), creating a comprehensive approach to mental health. Breathwork offers a groundbreaking approach to PTSD and addiction recovery, providing a possibility for rapid and lasting healing. It is high time this powerful technique received the attention it deserves.
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