ADDICTION
Brain Repair: Long-term substance abuse can reduce blood flow, alter brain chemistry, and damage brain cells. HBOT increases oxygen delivery to help restore dormant or injured neurological cells
Using a double-blind protocol, eight adults were randomized to receive either a full 90-minute HBOT dose in a pressurized chamber with 100% oxygen, or a sham condition receiving 21% oxygen (equivalent to room air within the chamber). Measures included study retention, treatment satisfaction, and pre- and post-intervention effects for opioid withdrawal symptoms, drug cravings, pain intensity and interference, sleep quality, and mood.
Trial: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Pain, Opioid Withdrawal, and Related Symptoms: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Conclusion: These pilot results provide evidence to support a fully powered study of HBOT as a potential treatment adjunct for adults receiving methadone for opioid use disorder. Trends towards symptom improvements were detected from pre- to post-HBOT in the full treatment arm versus sham condition. More research into novel non-pharmacologic options to relieve distressing symptoms related to pain and opioid use disorder is essential to improve clinical outcomes.