Breathwork-assisted Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder

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.

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).