Heart rate variability biofeedback: Theoretical basis, delivery, and its potential for the treatment of substance use disorders

Abstract

Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV BFB) is a biobehavioural clinical intervention that is gaining growing empirical support for the treatment of a number of psychological disorders, several of which are highly comorbid with substance use disorders (SUDs). The present article reviews the autonomic nervous system bases of two key processes implicated in the formation and maintenance of addictive pathology—affect dysregulation and craving—and asks if HRV BFB may be an effective intervention to ameliorate autonomic nervous system dysregulation in these processes, and as such, prove to be an effective intervention for SUDs. A detailed description of HRV BFB and its delivery is provided. Preliminary evidence suggests HRV BFB may be an effective addendum to current first-line SUD treatments, though no firm conclusions can be drawn at this time; more research is needed.

• Affect dysregulation
• craving
• heart rate variability biofeedback
• substance use disorders

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.